Pope Turns 81, Gets a Kid's Dream Meal

Pope Francis was treated to a 13-foot pizza for his birthday Sunday
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 17, 2017 8:03 AM CST
Pope Francis Turns 81, Gets 13-Foot Pizza
Faithful hold placards on the occasion of Pope Francis' 81 birthday prior to the start of the Angelus noon prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017.   (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis has blown out his birthday candle on an extra-long pizza at the Vatican to the delight of children, reports the AP. Francis, who turned 81 on Sunday, then told the children, who use a Vatican health service, to "eat all four meters (13 feet)" saying it will make them grow. Later, thousands of children in St. Peter's Square shouted birthday wishes to Francis. He replied from his window overlooking the square: "Thanks a lot, thanks a lot." His birthday coincided with his weekly Sunday appearance to faithful.

Pizza for parties in Italy is often baked in long form, instead of round pies, which are meant instead for individual portions. At the Vatican, rectangular-shaped pieces of pizza were stretched end-to-end on a table and a tall, white candle stuck in the middle. The pontiff was also treated to a pear and cinnamon cake that featured an image of him carrying the world on his shoulders, notes the AFP.

(More Pope Francis stories.)

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