McDonald's near Vatican helps feed the homeless

A volunteer holds bags containing food donated by McDonald's to a charity organisation which bestowed it to needy people at a walk-in clinic in Rome, Italy, Jan16, 2017. Photos: Reuters/Tony Gentile

McDonald's received a lukewarm reception when it opened a new branch just steps from St. Peter's Square last month, but on Jan 16 the fast food giant accepted a challenge to adopt one of Pope Francis's cherished principles – feeding the hungry.

The new restaurant, whose opening in a Vatican-owned building on Dec 30 upset some purists, donated dozens of meals to a charity which distributed them at a walk-in clinic in Rome.