On Tuesday, Pope Francis didn't have any public meetings on his agenda, but he had a busy morning nonetheless.
He beat the sun to Piazza di Spagna in the center of Rome, to pray before the famous sculpture of the Blessed Mother.
Then he celebrated Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
The third surprise was this stop before arriving to the Vatican. Pope Francis got out of his car to thank these military men who stand guard outside the Vatican walls.
The most unusual part of the scene was when he greeted the armed soldier.
He gave them cookies as a gift, which these two soldiers, who keep watch in the streets around the Vatican, undoubtedly appreciated.
JMB
Translation: CT
