Pope makes surprise visit to Vatican staff canteen

lunchtime at Vatican canteen

An unexpected visitor came to the Vatican staff canteen on Friday, Vatican Radio reports. Pope Francis arrived unexpected shortly after noon, much to everybody’s astonishment, and after taking a tray and cutlery joined the line with all the employees to be served his lunch.

Staff said he ate pasta without sauce and cod served with grilled tomatoes. He ate his lunch at a long table alongside a group of employees.

Describing the papal visit as " a thunderbolt out of the blue," the canteen’s chef Franco Pai'ni said the Pope was introduced to the staff and others there and asked them questions about themselves and their work.

Afterwards, Pope Francis paid them compliments on the quality of the food, gave his blessing and took part in a group photo before leaving.

Source: VIS