Pope Francis Goes on an Ice Cream-Bender in the Phillippines

On Pope Francis' recent trip to the Philippines, he did something rare: He indulged. He is known for his typically "austere" meals, preferring frugal meals of fruit, chicken, and salads "with the occasional glass of wine."  According to ABS-CBN, during his time in the Philippines the Pope took a break from his simple routine. He ate carb-heavy dishes like risotto ("he finished everything") and extra garlicky chicken chimichurri; he ate ciabatta, he feasted upon spaghetti carbonara.

Pope Francis' plane ride home was stocked with cartons of ice cream in flavors like pistachio, malted milk, and brown butter almond brittle.

The Pope's chef told the Philippine Inquirer that Francis has a major sweet tooth: He ate soufflés, crepes, a dulce de leche sponge cake (apparently a favorite of his), and plenty of ice cream. The NY Daily News writes that Francis' plane ride home was stocked with cartons of ice cream in flavors like pistachio, malted milk, and brown butter almond brittle. Perhaps the Pope should visit the U.S. next to hang with ice cream-loving Vice President Joe Biden.

Though Pope Francis tends to eat simply, he has a soft spot for wine. One Napa winery even created a line in his honor. Last month, he appeared before an audience of 150 Italian wine-industry professionals in an effort to reemphasize the importance of wine "in Italian culture and the Catholic religion."