The Vatican hosted 2,000 homeless people, refugees and prisoners at the Rony Roller circus on Thursday afternoon, where medics were also on hand to give free check-ups to those who needed it.
Thousands of migrants in Italy are expected to turn up at St Peter's Square next Sunday to listen to the weekly address by Pope Francis before a special Mass for migrants in the basilica in Rome.
Pope Francis has made an impassioned plea for interfaith unity, with a video released yesterday calling for men and women of all religions to work together for peace.