The Vatican has taken in a family who fled Damascus, just days after Pope Francis urged Catholic parishes across the world to assist refugees.
The Syrian family of four, all Melkite Greek Catholics, arrived on Sept. 6 and are being housed in the city-state’s Santa Anna Parish, according to a statement from the Vatican.
Pope Francis said previously both the Vatican’s parishes would house refugee families, though it has not provided details about the actions of the second parish, St. Peter’s Basilica.
“The procedures for requesting international protection were initiated immediately,” the Vatican Information Service said. The Santa Anna Parish will now assist the family for the first six months after their asylum request, the statement continued, because they cannot legally accept paid work.
The parish is housing the family in a Vatican apartment near St. Peter’s Basilica.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Julia Zorthian at julia.zorthian@time.com