It is easy to predict the words of Pope Francis that will conclude his comments after praying the noonday Angelus on a Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, usually with a crowd of tens of thousands:
“I wish you all a happy Sunday. And, please, don’t forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch and goodbye!”
On November 18, 2018, he made that lunch recommendation come true for some 1,500 poor people and volunteers, who hs joined for the midday meal in Paul VI Hall in the Vatican. The menu included lasagna, chicken morsels, mashed potatoes, and tiramisu.
“Thank you all so much for the company,” the Holy Father told the group. “Now they tell me that the real party begins and the Pope has to go away because the party is good!
“Thank you very much! Thank you for the company. Thanks to the musician boys. Thanks to those who prepared lunch, which have served him, and many boys and girls who help here to order. And thanks to all of you. And pray for me. May the Lord bless you. Thank you!”
Before leaving, Pope Francis greeted the children, the people present and took a picture with the cooks.
