Pope Francis has offered seaside trips to those who cannot afford a holiday this summer as part of his ongoing "year of mercy" efforts.

About 100 homeless people have been treated to trips to the beach followed by a pizza dinner en route home to Rome, courtesy of the pontiff.

The Pope's Almoner, who is in charge of distributing his money, runs the trips and has been on most of them. The usual format is he drives a van of around 10 homeless people to Passor Oscuro, a beach about 20 miles from Rome where they can swim and sunbathe.

Monsignor Krajewski said the outings reflect people's "desire for normality" despite their tough living conditions. The Polish-born official said everything is paid from the pope's charitable fund and the guests are given swimsuits and towels for their trip as well as a meal at a pizzeria.

"In the afternoon, using our van, I accompany groups of 10-11 homeless to go for a swim," Monsignor Krajewski said. "We are a sui generis [unusual] group since those who live on the street have very dark faces because of the sun, but bodies as white as milk," he said.

He added: "We always conclude the trip in a pizzeria, as do many people who are on vacation at this time. We certainly are not saving the world with some of these initiatives, we are not solving the problems of the homeless in Rome, but at least we are restoring to them a little dignity.

"I was very impressed to see how they behave in these situations. They know how to get along together, and when we are at the table, if one is talking and telling a story, everyone else is listening quietly. Even some of them, who are usually more agitated, cheer up."