Vatican police clash with gipsies on steps of basilica
Vatican police were on Sunday criticised over a scheme to pay gipsies that had
congregated on the steps of Rome's second-largest basilica 1,000 euros to
clear away before Easter services.
Vatican
police clashed with the Roma gipsies who had gathered at one of Rome's four
papal basilicas on Saturday night in protest at efforts to stop dozens from
the community participating in the Easter vigil.
Amid cries of "shame, shame" from local and foreign pilgrims, the
gipsies were blocked from entering St Paul's Outside the Walls. They had
sought refuge in the grounds after the city's illegal gipsy camps were
dismantled.
"If they are here they need help," said a pilgrim queuing to join
prayers. "Shame! Let them go in."
Police had offered the gipsies payments of €1,000 (£880)– €500 from Rome city
council and €500 from the Roman Catholic charity Caritas – to leave the area
in front of the church.
About 150 Roma gipsies, including women and babies, had pitched tents in front
of the basilica on Good Friday after they were forced out of illegal camps.
They were protesting over city plans to send women and children – not men – to
shelters in a move that would temporarily break up families.
After lengthy negotiations with city officials on Saturday, fewer than 20
gipsies – many Romanian nationals – accepted the payments and offer of a
free trip home.
Gianni Alemanno, the mayor of Rome, is committed to dismantling gipsy camps
dotted around the city. Seventy-five of the 200 camps have been destroyed.
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