Post date: Dec 17, 2013 1:38:45 PM
Pope Francis celebrates his 77th birthday at the Vatican in his trademark down-to-earth manner.
(CCTV) - Pope Francis is celebrating his 77th birthday on Tuesday (December 17) in a quiet fashion, with the pontiff preferring to get on with his work rather than take part in any festivities.
This year will be the first year that he celebrates his birthday as a pope.In honour of his birthday, the Vatican Television has released a short video montage showing the highlights of his first nine months as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the troubled Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, taking the name Francis I and becoming the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years.
Pope Francis became the first Latin American and Jesuit pope to lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.
Although a conservative theologically, Francis is known for his concern for the poor and has brought about a change of style to the Church leadership, indicated by his choice of the name of St Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226 after living a life of poverty and simplicity.