A cross-party group of MPs has tabled a motion calling for the House
of Commons to congratulate Pope Francis on his 80th birthday.
The motion was tabled by Labour MP Robert Flello and has been signed by nine MPs so far.
The signatories include Christopher Stephens of the SNP, two
Conservatives, Edward Leigh and Peter Bottomley, and six MPs from the
Labour party.
The motion reads:
“That this House congratulates His Holiness Pope Francis on his 80th
birthday; recognises his spiritual leadership of over 1.2 billion
Catholics worldwide; commends his leading contribution to tackling
climate change, promoting sustainable development, welcoming refugees,
building peace, encouraging prison reform, protecting religious freedom,
and advancing global abolition of the death penalty; and wishes him
well for his continued pontificate.”
Pope Francis will turn 80 on December 17.