Pope Francis celebrated an active if low-key 80th birthday on Saturday, sharing breakfast with eight homeless people before celebrating Mass with cardinals as greetings poured in from around the world.
The Pontiff received more than 70,000 email messages wishing him a happy birthday, as well as telephone calls and telegrams from world leaders and religious figures.
His predecessor, Benedict XVI, sent a "very affectionate" written greeting that the Vatican said was "particularly appreciated," followed by a personal call in the afternoon and three small gifts that the bore "very personal and significant meaning for both." The Vatican did not otherwise divulge the nature of the gifts.
