When the pope's birthday gets closer, it's normal to see pilgrims doing things like this...
...and this.
This year however, is different.
The event closest to the pope's birthday this year was organized without a crowd and streamed online.
Pope Francis usually spends his birthday privately, avoiding large celebrations. So in that sense, the pandemic hasn't really disrupted his routine.
Nevertheless, the situation has prevented pilgrims from showing the pope their affection like they usually do.
Sometimes Pope Francis even saw himself obligated to interrupt his weekly catechesis to address these early celebrations, at times with a word of caution.
POPE FRANCIS
December 14, 2016
“Where I'm from, wishing someone a happy birthday ahead of time brings bad luck.”
In any case, social media is there to make up for the lack of closeness. Birthday wishes for the pope have been circulating from many parts of the world since the early morning.
A group of poor people sent the pope a bouquet of sunflowers. They were placed in the Santa Marta chapel as a reminder of the need to always orient one's life toward God, who is present in the poorest.
The pope didn't just receive gifts however. He also gave, sending four lung ventilators to Venezuela.
Javier Romero
Translation: CT
