PHOTOS. Pope Francis Having Dinner With Vatican Staff At Their Cafeteria

Pope Francis proved he really is a man of cod today ... when he made a surprise visit to the Vatican's canteen for fish Friday.

Dressed in his usual white cassock and papal skullcap, the people's pontiff stunned Vati-canteen regulars when he strode into the cafe, picked up a plastic tray and queued for his food.

When his turn came he opted for a plate of pasta without sauce and cod with grilled tomatoes, washed down with a bottle of mineral water.

Then, to everybody's astonishment, he sat down at a long table with a group of workmen and said grace before tucking in to his meal.

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

People's Pope: He seemed genuinely interested in what the Vatican workers had to say, chit chatting casually as he ate his meal

Leisurely lunch: Having arrived just after midday, he stayed in the Vati-canteen for more than half an hour before paying his compliments to the chef, giving everyone his blessing and heading off to get back to work

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

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