Pope Francis meets with Polish bishops at Wawel royal castle in Krakow, on July 27, 2016 during World Youth Days.
Pope Francis heads to Poland for an international Catholic youth festival with a mission to encourage openness to migrants. / AFP / WOJTEK RADWANSKI        (Photo credit should read WOJTEK RADWANSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Pope Francis' most memorable moments
01:05 - Source: CNN
Rome CNN  — 

Pope Francis has opened a free laundromat for the poor in Rome, the Vatican said Monday.

Six washing machines, six dryers and a number of irons have been donated by the Whirlpool Corporation.

Six washing machines, six dryers and a number of irons have been donated by the Whirlpool Corporation, while Proctor and Gamble are furnishing laundry detergent and softener.

The Vatican said the Pope’s laundromat is a service to “restore dignity to many people who are our brothers and sisters.”

Pope's panhandler protocol_00002705.jpg
Pope's panhandler protocol
04:01 - Source: CNN

In the next few months, the Vatican plans to add showers, a barbershop and medical services at the location.

The laundromat is in the Roman neighborhood of Trastevere, not far from the Vatican, in an old hospital complex now run by the Community of St. Egidio.

Pope hat
Little girl tries to steal Pope's hat
00:46 - Source: CNN

This is the second facility the Pope has opened in Rome for assisting the poor.

Two years ago, he opened a shower and barber service next to St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican and a dormitory nearby.