For another year, Pope Francis celebrated his birthday with children from the Casa Santa Marta dispensary — the Vatican center that offers pediatric services to families in need. It currently treats about 450 children.
The pope was welcomed with great enthusiasm and he dedicated these words to everyone present.
“Good morning to all of you and thank you very much, to see all of you, so many little girls and boys all here,” Pope Francis said. “Thank you so much and we have to get ready for a big party, which will be next week: Christmas. Now, each of you think: What am I going to ask Jesus? In silence. Close your eyes and think.”
The celebration proved to be festive with clowns and acrobats. But the main event was the cake.
As he does almost every year, Pope Francis encouraged the children to taste the cake.
The 87-year-old pope appeared lively with the children, who left the Vatican with smiles from ear to ear.