For Vatican News
Among those who have sent their best wishes to Pope Francis for his 84th the anniversary is Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who wrote to the Pope a letter of greeting and goodwill in which he also thanked him for the “participation and solidarity” he has shown the Italian people in this year of uncertainty and fear.
Ecumenical greetings have also arrived, with Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the main leader of the Anglican Communion, tweeting: “Happy birthday to my friend and beloved brother of Christ, Pope Francis. Thank you for your cheerful and humble leadership. witness of the love of Jesus Christ. “
Last birthday in charity and simplicity
In response to a question from Vatican News, the director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said the Pope spends a quiet and simple day in prayer, sharing his meals as he always does with other residents at Casa Santa Marta.
Bruni also said that, through the papal almshouse, the poor of the city of Rome have sent sunflowers to adorn the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in the Casa Santa Marta, “as a reminder of the need to always direct the our gaze on the Lord present in the weakest. “
He added that today the Pope has sent a gift of four respirators to Venezuela as a sign of closeness to children with lung disease.