Pope Francis celebrated his 88th birthday yesterday, and special festivities were held at the Vatican, beginning with a Mass in the Sistine Chapel. Part of these birthday celebrations were some lucky Maltese – the well-known presenter and violinist Joseph Chetcuti, accompanied by Malta’s National Police Band, who performed for the Pope on this occasion.

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Pope Francis, known for his charisma, humility and closeness to the most disadvantaged, made many firsts as pope – an office he’s held since 13th March 2013. He is the first pope to be a member of the Jesuit Order the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first born or raised outside Europe since the 8th century!

Happy birthday, Pope Francis!