Pope Francis celebrates his 87th birthday with a circus party surrounded by children

He Pope Francis Today he celebrated his 87th birthday with a “circus party” in the Sala Paulo VI of Vatican in which there was a cake and it was served by children and their families from a pediatric hospital in Holy See.

A birthday cake is presented to Pope Francis for his 87th birthday during an audience with children from the Santa Marta dispensary in Sala Paul VI on December 17, 2023 at the Vatican. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO/AFP) (ANDREAS SOLARO/)

Traditionally, in the Vatican they do not celebrate birthdays, but name days, but Francis’s birthday “party” has already become a tradition.

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This morning, according to reports Vatican News, Francisco attended Paul VI Room in the Vaticanvery close to your personal residence, to participate in the party organized by Santa Marta Dispensarya pediatric center in Holy See founded a century ago, in 1922.

They participated in the event more than 200 families who attend the aforementioned hospital, as well as its doctors and volunteers, and included the entertainment of shows and juggling by a circus group.

The pontiff, recently suffering from a bronchitisThere was also a cake in which he was represented surrounded by children and other people.

“Good morning everyone and thank you very much for being able to see so many girls and boys here!”the pope thanked guests on his birthday.

Francisco asked the children to prepare “for the big party” from the Christmas and think about what you are going to ask Jesus.

“Have you think about it? OK. Then you ask. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Always with a smile and may the Lord grant you everything you desire.”term.

He then appeared before the world to recite the Angelus Sunday from the window of the Apostolic Palace and took the opportunity to bless the “Jesus Children” that Roman children traditionally take to Saint Peter’s Square on the third Sunday of Advent.

Among the hundreds of faithful who prayed the Angelus In Vatican Square, some displayed signs that said “Congratulations.”

The celebration takes place amidst Francisco’s well-known health problems, with difficulty walking due to pain in his knees, which often forces him to be carried in a wheelchair.

Recently he even had to suspend part of his schedule, such as the trip he planned to take to the climate summit in Dubai, due to a bronchitis.

Although the pope has already participated again in public events, such as the veneration of the Immaculate Conception in the center of Rome, and within a week he will begin the rites of Christmas.

On the other hand, on the eve of his birthday, the Court of Vatican sentenced nine people for a financial scandal, including 5 and a half years in prison, said the Cardinal Angelo Becciuwho was its mayor Congregation for the Causes of Saints (2018-2020) and number three in the Secretary of state (2011 and 2018).

In any case, Francisco has already started to receive Congratulations like the president of the Republic Italian, Sergio Mattarellawho appreciated his continued calls for peace and care for the environment.

“In a world where unfortunately new rivalries are added to old conflicts, their incessant pastoral action demands from everyone the demand to build solutions that restore peace, placing the person, with their inalienable dignityat the center of the action of the international community,” he wrote in a telegram.

The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Melonialso joined in the congratulations, thanking you for your “high teaching” as head of the Church and “his firm commitment to peace”.

Source: Elcomercio