Drawing His Life: Father Georg Sporschill, the Priest for Street Children, Turns 80

Father Georg Sporschill, a Jesuit priest renowned for his work with the homeless and marginalized, is celebrating his 80th birthday. Known affectionately as the "Pope of the Homeless," Sporschill continues his mission, now focusing on Roma children in Transylvania through social centers and music schools under the organization "Elijah."

His impact is poignantly illustrated by a graphic novel created by Florin Moise, a Roma artist who survived a difficult childhood. Moise's book is based on his transformative encounters with Sporschill in Bucharest during the early 1990s. "We were wild children, hungry, sick, and dirty, with fleas and lice. We felt the Father liked us. He was not afraid. No one else dared to touch us," Moise recalled of those early days at the "North Station."

Sporschill began his work in Bucharest, venturing into the city's underbelly to reach out to drug-addicted, ostracized individuals. He offered them comfort, food, and care without hesitation. Moise, who identifies as Romani and notes the common use of the term "Zigeuner" in Romania, felt Sporschill's acceptance was life-changing. The graphic novel captures this encounter, showcasing strong, direct Roma art, described as "outsider art."

Before establishing "Elijah" in 2013 with his associate Ruth Zenkert, Sporschill was the charismatic founder and driving force behind "Concordia." For decades, he tirelessly raised funds and support in Vienna to combat child poverty in Romania. He successfully handed over the organization, which had 600 employees and operated in Romania and Moldova, to continue its work, now also active in Bulgaria and Kosovo. Sporschill then moved on, continuing his dedication to helping vulnerable children.