JRS

This morning we went to Centro Astalli, the Roman branch of Jesuit Refugee Services. We had a long talk about the organization, the documentation process for refugees, and Italian/European politics surrounding the issue. We then visited both a soup kitchen and a men's shelter. While we were unable to meet any refugees, it was interesting to see how the organization operated, and the services they provide to the refugee community. We had lunch at Pastarito; I ordered the pumpkin risotto, which was delicious. Then we headed back to our apts for a lecture on social justice.

Before dinner a group of us went to the Spanish Steps, and then shopping along via del corso. Unfortunely due to time we could only go into a couple stores but I still managed to buy a few things! Then we went to dinner with the rest of the group. The gnocchi was great. 

After dinner some of us decided to walk back to the apts (we were going to get gelato but both shops we wanted to go to were closed for holiday). We walked off our dinner and were able to see Vatican all lit up at night, as well as some more Swiss guards :) 

Interesting fact: whenever the pope is at the Vatican they typically leave a light on in the papal apartments as a signal. Since Pope Francis doesn't stay in the papal apartments (he stays in some smaller apartments on the Vatican grounds) they do not leave a light on, even though he is technically still there.