Pope Francis Daily

Prior to his departure for Egypt Pope Francis donated the rent for a private Italian beach that allows disabled people to enjoy the coastline during the Summer months.

The group Work of Love, a Catholic non-profit, has rented part of the Little Madonna beach located near Rome since 2012 in an effort to give disabled people better access to the beach. It is equipped with ramps, walkways and specialized beach chairs and water-friendly wheelchairs, and includes amenities such as a snack bar, changing rooms, and showers.

According to Archbishop Korad Krajewski, the papal almoner, Pope Francis gave the group an undisclosed sum to “support the project that helps disabled youth and in particular to cover the annual rent for the beach known as the Little Madonna.”

In a statement the charity said they received the donation with “enthusiasm and astonishment.”