Pope Francis Clowns Around with Newlywed Couple
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VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images(VATICAN CITY) — Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, donned a bright red nose and clowned around with a newlywed couple inside the Vatican this week.
The Argentine-born pontiff posed with the bride and groom, who are volunteers at a charity that brings clown therapy to sick children.
The lighthearted moment came hours after Pope Francis kissed and prayed with a severely disfigured man at the end of his general audience at St. Peter’s Square.
In the eight months since he was elected pope, the 76-year-old pontiff has emerged as an endearing figure known for his humility and desire to build a more inclusive church.
When a young boy wandered on stage during a homily last month, the pontiff let him stay by his side and even gave him a playful pat on the head.
Pope Francis has stayed true to his humble Jesuit roots by choosing to live a simple life. He has declined to move into the lavish papal apartments and insists on carrying his own bags. And his clown car of choice for getting around the Vatican? It’s a 1984 Renault.
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