As wishes pour in for his birthday, Pope Francis encourages Christians to prepare their hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas.
By Devin Watkins
Pope Francis turned 87 years on Sunday, December 17.
As he often does before Christmas, the Pope spent a few moments with children and families assisted by the Santa Marta Dispensary, who gave him a birthday cake and sang “Happy Birthday”.
The Santa Marta Dispensary has been providing medical assistance to children and families in need for over 90 years and is located just steps from the Pope’s residence in the Vatican. It was created in 1922 by Pope Pius XI.
Birthday cake for Pope Francis
Preparing our hearts for Christmas
In brief remarks, Pope Francis thanked those present for their birthday wishes.
He also urged everyone to prepare to receive Jesus as Christians celebrate his birth at Christmas.
“We have to prepare for the big Christmas party, which will take place next week,” he said. “It is the holiday where we think and remember the moment when Jesus came among us. He came to be with us.
The Pope invited children and families gathered in the Paul VI Hall of the Vatican to close their eyes and reflect on the special grace they would like to ask of Jesus this Christmas.
He concluded his words of greeting by conveying his Christmas wishes.
“Merry Christmas to you all,” he said. “Keep those smiles on your faces and may the Lord grant you everything you desire. THANKS!”
Families gather in the Paul VI Hall to greet the Pope
Birthday wishes
On the pope’s birthday, Italian President Sergio Mattarella sent him his best wishes.
He presented to Pope Francis his “most sincere and affectionate wishes for well-being and fruitful pursuit of your prolific magisterium.”
The Italian Bishops’ Conference took the opportunity to pray for peace in our war-torn world.
“We believe this would be the best gift for our Churches,” the bishops said. “We want, with you, to be peacemakers to overcome a culture of war, hatred, ignorance and prejudice. »
