Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Video Credit: CEN/@jornadamundialdelajuventud

This is the touching moment Pope Francis croons ‘Happy Birthday’ to an elderly devotee.

The incident took place in the central Panamanian capital Panama City during the 82-year-old Pope’s visit to the Central American country for World Youth Day 2019.

According to local media, Pope Francis was speaking with attendees when he spotted an elderly woman who was holding up a poster.

Picture Credits: CEN/@jornadamundialdelajuventud

It was the second time that the supreme pontiff noticed the woman during his state visit and he went over to speak with her.

When he discovered that it was the woman’s birthday, he led a chorus in her honour.

In the video footage, the Argentine is seen standing in front of a crowd of people as he calls on them to sing along with him.

After a rousing performance of ‘Happy Birthday’ in Spanish, Pope Francis leans forward to kiss the woman’s cheeks.

The woman, who has been identified as Hayera Mollik, was seen holding up a poster when the pope came over and said “This is the second time that I have seen you, I noticed you yesterday and again today.”

He joked: “You are old, but I keep young! You are brave and today is your birthday so we are all going to sing for you.”

Event organisers said on Twitter: “How joyful to have a birthday and then get to share it with the Pope.”