Pope Francis spoke at the end of the Mass co-celebrated at 8 am this
morning with scores of cardinals in the Pauline Chapel in the Apostolic
Palace. Today, his 80th birthday, the Holy Father cited the poet Friedrich Hölderlin, calling on the faithful to pray for him so that his “Old age may be quiet, religious and fruitful,” and, after a pause, “joyful” as well.
The pope’s day began early.
The Vatican Press Office announced that this morning the pontiff had breakfast with eight homeless people who usually stay under the colonnade of St Peter.
They included two women and six men from Italy, Moldova, Romania and Peru, who gave the pontiff three bouquets of sunflowers, which the pontiff placed in St Martha chapel.
The Vatican Press Office also announced that today, "a birthday dessert will be offered on the pope’s behalf in many canteens in Rome, at the end of lunch or dinner.
Guests at various dormitories will also receive an envelope with a small gift and a memento depicting Holy Christmas.”