Pope treats homeless to swim and a pizza

The Pope's almsgiver has been taking homeless people to a beach near Rome for a dip in the sea and then a pizza afterwards.

Pope Francis has been treating dozens of Rome's homeless to a day at the beach and dinner in a pizzeria on the way back.

The pontiff's almsgiver, Polish monsignor Konrad Krajewski, told the La Stampa daily he drove a van with 10 people to a beach near Rome for a dip in the sea, sunbathing and then pizza. The Vatican supplied the swimsuits and beach towels.

Krajewski told Italian state radio on Sunday the afternoon outings reflect the homeless' "desire for normality" in their lives.

Many of them live near Vatican City, where, at the Pope's direction, showers and barbers have been set up on the edge of St Peter's Square for their use.

Aided by Swiss Guards, the almsgiver also distributes hot meals to homeless people at Italian train stations.