It has recently been announced that Pope Francis will endeavor to aid the homeless population of Rome by offering free shaves and haircuts weekly at the Vatican starting Feb. 16.

According to Think Progress, volunteer barbers will provide services every Monday, and the program will rely heavily on donated razors, scissors, and other equipment, much of which has already been given to the Holy See.

The Guardian reports that the move was arranged by Francis' Almoner Konrad Krajewski, and follows a plan unveiled last year to install toilets and showers for the homeless in a renovated area in the vicinity of St Peter's Square.

The toilet and shower plan was inspired by a conversation Krajewski had with a homeless man named Franco. Supposedly, Franco declined an offer to have dinner with Krajewski because he smelled.  He stated, "Here no one starves to death. You can find a sandwich every day. But there is no place to use the toilet and wash."

Pope Francis has also always felt a need to help the homeless. He has been known to sneak out of the Vatican at night, dressed as a regular priest, to minister to homeless residents. He has also deplored the plight of the homeless in the past, stating, "How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?"

This past December, Pope Francis even celebrated his birthday by handing out 400 sleeping bags to homeless people currently living on the streets of Rome. When the residents received their gifts, they were told, "This is a gift for you from the pope on the occasion of his birthday."

What are your thoughts on Pope Francis' and Krajewski's latest endeavor?