HAPPY BIRTHDAY POPE FRANCIS! Beloved Pontiff turns 78 today

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POPE FRANCIS! Today is Pope Francis' 78th birthday and well-wishers celebrated the day singing and dancing for the Holy Father in St. Peter's Square.

VATICAN CITY (Catholic Online) - Born on December 17, 1936, the man who would become Pope Francis has now turned 78. As he drove through St. Peter's Square before his weekly audience, adoring guests sang "Happy Birthday" in different languages and versions. About 2,000 people gathered to perform a tango in honor of the Holy Father's birthplace. The dance was aptly called, "A Tango for Pope Francis."

During his drive, some priests offered him a cake and the grateful Pontiff stopped to blow out the candles. He accepted a drawing from a small child.

Send the gift Pope Francis has asked for.

Pope Francis has electrified the Church because he is so overtly pastoral in his style. The world has come to accept that Pope Francis genuinely cares about each individual, especially those less fortunate. This is not to say that other Popes have been less compassionate-there are few people who embody universal human love more than a Pope, however Pope Francis seems to go exceptionally out of his way to tend our flock and it draws us even closer to Christ.

When you can see the handwork of Jesus in His vicar, your heart fills with joy. Every act of kindness and compassion motivated out of solidarity is proof that Jesus is real, that the Holy Spirit is with us, and that God's love can eclipse even the darkest night.

How can we not cry for joy at such wonderful people in such a wonderful Church, who do so much good for everyone?

From all of us at Catholic Online, including our millions and millions of monthly readers, we would like to wish you a happy birthday, Pope Francis.

For readers who would like to make a gift on the occasion of Pope Francis' birthday, the Holy Father has requested food donations for the hungry. You can make a single donation here, or choose other options for giving.

For those who wish to send prayers and well wishes to our Holy Father, you may light a candle for him here and post a message alongside it.

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