Pope Francis treats Rome’s homeless to swim at beach and pizza

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

Speaking to La Stampa daily, the pope's alms-giver, Polish monsignor Konrad Krajewski, said the pontiff drives a van with 10 people to a beach near Rome for a dip in the sea, sunbathing and then pizza, adding that the Vatican also supplied the swimsuits and beach towels.

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

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

The alms-giver also distributes hot meals to homeless people at Italian train stations aided by Swiss Guards.