
Today is the 79th birthday of Pope Francis! Born on December 17, 1936 as Jorge Mario Bergoglio the Holy Father is the 266th and current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. People around the world love him and are sending him good wishes on social media, yet; the Holy Father has also managed to win the respect and appreciation of several celebrities with his humble attitude, simple life and charismatic smile. Check out what the stars say about the pontiff and his tenure at the Vatican.
Mark Wahlberg: "As a Catholic, I credit much of my success to my faith. It is an honor to be a part of welcoming Pope Francis to Philadelphia and I am humbled to join this celebration."

Juanes: "A pleasure to meet Pope Francis. Thank you for inviting me to the Festival of Families. It was a huge honor."
Angelina Jolie: "To be invited to screen Unbroken at The Vatican is an honor and a tribute to Louie's legacy as a man of faith and someone who exemplified the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit," Jolie said in a statement. "These are universal themes at the heart of the human experience everywhere."
Angelina Jolie has a meet-and-greet with Pope Francis http://t.co/7AUVH06v23 pic.twitter.com/81NL6CdA75
— Indy People (@TheIndyPeople) January 8, 2015
Elton John: "He's excited me so much by his humanity and taking everything down to the humility of faith...it's all basically about love and taking everybody in inclusiveness. If Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see him... saying this could not happen. He was all about love and compassion and forgiveness and trying to bring people together and that is what the Church should be about."

Jimmy Kimmel: "More like Pope Fran...tastic!"

Kerry Washington: "I think he's so special. I think he's so humble and so focused on service — just really focused on doing good in the world. Not being judgmental. Letting God be the judge."
Pope Francis might be my celebrity crush. #ImNotEvenCatholic https://t.co/P9rqTFtj71
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 23, 2015
Russell Crowe: "Look I'm not Catholic, I've never felt any connection with any previous pope, but I like this guy! He's changing the tone of the way you regard the Pope, and I think it is a magnificent thing. I was very privileged and humbled to be in that environment."

Oprah Winfrey: "Your holiness, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest welcome to you. I hold your life and work in the highest esteem."

Maria Shriver: "This pope is inspiring for me as an American, as a woman, as a Catholic. It was really very moving to be here."
Martin Sheen: "That's really the vigor of Christ on Earth, to be that human. Man, this guy, Francis. Give thanks and praise."

Anahi: "I can't find the right words to explain this moment and this feeling. Pope Francis may God bless you. And Happy Birthday!
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