VATICAN CITY — Do you make the pope pay for lunch?
Pope Francis popped in unannounced at the Vatican workers’ cafeteria Friday and lined up, tray in hand, along with stunned diners.
Cashier Claudia Di Giacomo told Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano that when Francis presented his tray with a plate of cod, a bowl of fusilli pasta without sauce, a side of grilled tomatoes and “just a few” french fries, she “didn’t have the courage to hand him the bill.”
Francis chatted with his tablemates — five Vatican pharmacy stock clerks. His tip? A papal blessing and photos snapped with diners, said the cafeteria chef, Franco Paini.
The pope usually dines at the Vatican guest house where he lives.