By Vatican News
Among those who sent their best wishes to Pope Francis at the age of 84th anniversary is Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who wrote the Pope a letter of greetings and benevolence in which he also thanked him for the “participation and solidarity” he has shown to the Italian people in this year of uncertainty and fear.
Ecumenical greetings have also come in, with Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the chief leader of the Anglican Communion, tweeting, “Congratulations to my friend and dear brother in Christ, Pope Francis. Thank you for your joyful and humble leadership that testifies to love of Jesus Christ. ‘
Birthday spent in charity and simplicity
In response to a question posed to him by Vatican News, the director of the Holy See’s news agency Matteo Bruni said the Pope spends a quiet and simple day in prayer sharing his meals as he always does with other residents of Casa Santa Marta.
Bruni also said that the arms of the city of Rome sent sunflowers by the papal chaplain to decorate the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Casa Santa Marta, “ as a reminder of the need to always keep our gaze on the Lord who is present . in the weakest. “
He added that the Pope sent a gift of four respiratory masks to Venezuela today as a sign of closeness to children with lung diseases.