Letter: Vatican wall full of openings, welcome mat
A contributor’s recent criticism about the impenetrable wall around the Vatican was not accurate. In February 2015 the construction of a special building in St Peter’s Square was completed. It provides free bathrooms, hot showers, soapy shaves and haircuts to persons whom the Vatican refers to as “... our homeless pilgrims.”
The bathrooms are open every day except Wednesday, which is general audience day. The bathrooms are maintained by local businesses and individuals.
Most barbershops and hair salons are closed on Monday and it is the day of the week easily available for barbers and hair stylists to volunteer their services.
I think a more reasonable description of the Vatican wall would be the Invisible Wall or perhaps the Holy Wall — one with a lot of openings and each with a welcome doormat.
John McGoldrick
Okatie
This story was originally published March 3, 2016 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Letter: Vatican wall full of openings, welcome mat."