There was a festive atmosphere at the weekly General
Audience on Wednesday, as Pope Francis celebrated his 78th birthday.
As he made his way through the crowds, Pope Francis stopped
by a group of seminarians from the Legion of Christ, who offered him a birthday
cake, complete with lighted candles. The Holy Father also took the opportunity
to take a sip of maté, a traditional Argentinian drink, offered my pilgrims at
the Audience. On the Via della Conciliazione, which leads up to St Peter's
Square, tango enthusiasts danced in the street to celebrate the Pope's
birthday.Among those sending birthday greetings from around the world
was Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster. "I would like to sing happy
birthday for him," the Cardinal said. "And if I could, I’d join in
the dancing in St Peter’s Square that I believe is taking place this
morning."Cardinal Nichols said the Catholic community in England and
Wales wants "to wish Pope Francis a very, very happy birthday. We want to
wish him every health and blessing, and we want to thank him for all this
remarkable leadership that he’s giving." Pope Francis didn’t mention
his birthday during the audience, but his reflections on the importance of
simple, humble family life, lived on the peripheries, was certainly appropriate
for the occasion.
Vatican Radio joins Catholics and well-wishers from around
the world in wishing Pope Francis a very happy birthday. Ad multos annos!
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