Pope Francis celebrates his 77th birthday today and, as the Italian newspaper La Repubblica reports, he decided to invite 4 homeless people for lunch and prayed with them in the Chapel of S. Marta within Vatican City.
Some translation from the La Repubblica article below the fold.
My translation from the article:
It is a special day not only for the Pope, but also for four homeless people who have been invited to lunch and mass at Santa Marta by Francis on his 77th birthday. The homeless people live in the area of St. Peter's and were presented to Bergoglio by the papal almoner, Monsignor Konrad Krajewski. One of the homeless people also brought his dog to the mass at Santa Marta, introducing him to the Pontiff.
The original text:
Una giornata speciale non solo per il Papa, ma anche per quattro senzatetto che sono stati invitati a colazione e a messa a Santa Marta da Francesco, proprio nel giorno del suo settantasettesimo compleanno. I clochard vivono nella zona di San Pietro e sono stati presentati a Bergoglio dall'elemosiniere pontificio, monsignor Konrad Krajewski. Uno dei senzatetto ha anche portato il suo cagnolino alla messa a Santa Marta, presentandolo al Pontefice.
The article explains that there are no other events planned, only a day of prayer, particularly from what are called here the "Papaboys", his most devout followers, who will be praying for the next 24 hours.
I don't have a lot to add. It seems very much in keeping with his personality and his spiritual outlook. Given the political failure we are surrounded with here in Italy, having Pope Francis down the street is a breath of fresh air.
Tanti auguri, Papa Francesco! Felicidades!