Happy Birthday, Holy Father!

Pope Francis turned 87 years old on Sunday, 17th December. David Watkins of Vatican News notes that “as he often does ahead of Christmas, the Pope spent a few moments with children and families assisted by the Santa Marta Dispensary, who presented him with a birthday cake and sang ‘Happy Birthday’. The Santa Marta Dispensary has provided medical assistance to children and families in need for over 90 years, and is based just a stone’s throw away from the Pope’s residence inside the Vatican. It was established in 1922 by Pope Pius XI. In brief remarks, Pope Francis thanked those present for their birthday wishes. He also urged everyone to prepare ourselves to receive Jesus as Christians celebrate His birth at Christmas. “We need to prepare ourselves for the great feast of Christmas, which will be next week,” he said. “It is the feast when we think and recall when Jesus came among us. He came to be with us.” The Pope invited the children and families gathered in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall to close their eyes and think about what special grace they would like to ask Jesus for this Christmas. He wrapped up his words of greeting by extending his Christmas greetings. “Merry Christmas to you all,” he said. “Keep those smiles on your faces, and may the Lord grant you everything you desire. Thank you!”