Controversial Vatican McDonald’s Vows to Feed the Homeless

McDonald’s sparked outrage in Italy recently when it unveiled a new location just steps from the Vatican. Perhaps in an effort to win over the hearts and minds of Catholics, the Local reports the Big Mac slinger has agreed to partner with a charity to feed the homeless.

The St. Peter’s Square-adjacent outpost of the restaurant opened at the beginning of the year, despite controversy that emerged when plans were first revealed last fall. Cardinals who live in the building above the restaurant site fought to keep the fast food giant out, arguing that its presence would only exacerbate the problem of modern shops and trinket-sellers invading the area surrounding the Catholic Church’s headquarters.

One cardinal called the opening a “perversion,” telling newspaper La Repubblica last fall that the space should’ve been used to help the needy instead — and now, McDonald’s is doing just that: Per the Local, every Monday beginning next week the restaurant will distribute more than 1,000 lunches consisting of a double cheeseburger, apple slices, and a bottle of water.

Pope Francis, who celebrated Mother Teresa’s sainthood last year by throwing a pizza party for Rome’s homeless, would surely approve.

• Controversial Vatican McDonald’s to Give Free Meals to Homeless [The Local]
• McDonald’s Opens Near the Vatican, Further Proving Nothing Is Sacred [E]
• Cool Pope Francis Hosts Pizza Party for the Homeless [E]