Controversy in the days before Christmas in Padua. On the noticeboard of the church of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, in the city center, a sign appeared that reads: "The faithful are asked not to give alms to beggars in the church or in the surrounding area".

Don Albino Bizzotto, a priest from Padua, said he was "scandalized", adding: "I'm sorry that at Christmas there is no place for the poor in church."

But the Work of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, which manages the sacred building, has specified that, not being a parish, the church is always open, and "beggars gravitate around the place of worship at all hours and not only during occasional religious services, even at night. This has also brought problems to traders in the area, who have complained about the constant presence of people begging. Some faithful were approached at night by some annoying beggars who insistently asked for money, not only disturbing the moments of worship, but also spreading a certain sense of insecurity".

The rector of the church chose not to respond to the controversy.

(Unioneonline/ss)

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