Pope Francis celebrated his birthday by blowing out candles on an extra-long pizza at the Vatican, much to the delight of the children present.
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 to which he replied from his window overlooking the square. 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 was placed in the middle.
