ItalyUpdate

It has long been a tradition in Naples to offer a caffè sospeso. Customers in caffès often pay for two espressi at the till – one for him/herself and the other sospeso for any passer-by who can't afford to buy one.

This has inspired the introduction of the concept of pane sospeso (a pre-paid loaf for any needy person who happens by the bakery) during Pope Francis' Holy Year of Mercy. The custom has spread to Rome, Milan and other Italian towns, where bakers produce the loaves with locally grown wheat, marking them on the top with the Tau cross, the symbol particularly favoured by St. Francis of Assisi.

Info: www.panesospeso.it