Pope celebrates his 77th birthday with four homeless people

Since becoming leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, his trademark humble style has won him plaudits.

And even on his birthday Pope Francis has refused to make a splash - choosing instead to celebrate the day with four homeless people.

The pontiff kicked off his 77th birthday, with mass at the humble priests’ guesthouse where he has made his home, followed by breakfast with four homeless people often seen near the Vatican.

The four got a chance to wish him many happy returns when they were introduced in person to Francis by Konrad Krajewski, his alms distributor.

Rumours that Francis sneaks out of the Vatican, disguised as a priest, to distribute charity to those living on the streets, have circulated Rome in recent weeks, after Monsignor Krajewski dropped a strong hint during a TV interview.

Francis has cultivated an image of a poor church since his inauguration in April. He has shunned the traditional robes, jewellery and even the luxurious papal apartment for a more spartan lifestyle.

But the Argentinian Pope is set to receive at least one priceless gift. His favourite football team Buenos Aires side San Lorenzo de Almagro are set to offer him the league title trophy they won earlier this week.

When he heard of the result, Francis exclaimed, ‘What joy!’, Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported.

The club's most famous fan is scheduled to receive a six-person delegation of players and managers from the club who boarded a private jet to Rome to visit him, after winning a title for the first time in six years.

San Lorenzo manager Bernardo Romeo told TV channel CN23 that Francis asked the club to win the championship.

'We’re going to offer him the trophy as he is the world’s most powerful man, we’re proud and excited for the trip.'

The Vatican TV Centre released a short film entitled ‘Happy Birthday Papa Francesco’, to mark his first birthday in office.

Hannah Roberts