Pope Francis was elected five years ago on March 13, 2013.

EWTN News Nightly Vatican Correspondent Juliet Linley takes us through the series of firsts for Francis and also gives us a glimpse of his daily routine – it’s a rather busy one for the 81 year-old.

VATICAN CITY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 - Here is a ZENIT translation of the address Pope Francis gave today before and after praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

I greet all of you, Romans and pilgrims, in particular, the parish groups, the Associations and the young people. On this day, let us not forget to thank God for the past year and for every good received. And it will do each one of us good to take some time to think how many good things we have received from the Lord this year and to be grateful. And we should also be grateful if there were trials and difficulties because He helped us to overcome those moments. Today is a day of thanksgiving.

I wish you all a happy Sunday and a serene end of the year. I thank you again for your good wishes and your prayers: and please continue to pray for me. Have a good lunch and goodbye!