Pope Francis celebrates his 87th birthday today. The Pope, it is rumoured, is not going to celebrate in any special way, except for a meeting in which the pontiff is very happy to participate: at 10am (local time, 11am local time), the Argentine Pope will meet over 450 children and their families, to whom the Vatican's special volunteer service offers free health care. With them he will watch a short show with circus performers and taste sweets and birthday cake.
Two hours later, the Pontiff - as every Sunday - will bless the gathered faithful in St Peter's Square and they are expected to enthusiastically wish him «happy birthday». Among those who will wish Pope Francis well are Italian President of the Republic Sergio Matarella, the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Italy and thousands of citizens from around the world.
