Pope Leo XIV Turns 70! World Celebrates Birthday of American Pontiff!
The world is celebrating! Pope Leo XIV marked his 70th birthday on Sunday, and greetings poured in from across the globe. From world leaders to young patients, everyone joined in wishing the pontiff a happy birthday.
Birthday Blessings from St. Peter's Square
Pope Leo XIV celebrated the special day with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. He blessed the crowd during the Angelus prayer and expressed his gratitude for their well wishes. "My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70," he said to the cheering crowd. "I thank the Lord, my parents and all those who remembered me in their prayers."
Hundreds of people held banners in English, Italian, and Spanish, balloons, and congratulatory signs, creating a festive atmosphere in the square.
Messages from Around the World
The Vatican reported that Pope Leo XIV received greetings from all corners of the world. Among the most touching were drawings from young patients at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, a hospital he recently visited. Many of the drawings expressed the children's wish for world peace. One drawing depicted Pope Leo XIV saying, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it," while waving the flag of peace.
'Huge Learning Curve'
In interviews released on Vatican correspondent Elise Ann Allen's news site Crux, Pope Leo XIV reflected on his experiences as pontiff. He described it as a "huge learning curve," comparing it to jumping into "the deep end of the pool very quickly."
History's first American pope noted that while he quickly adapted to his role as a pastor for the universal Catholic Church, the diplomatic aspects of being pope have been more challenging. "The totally new aspect to this job is being thrown onto the level of world leader," he said. "I’m learning a lot and feeling very challenged, but not overwhelmed."
Faithful Catholics around South Africa join in wishing Pope Leo XIV a very happy birthday and many more years of health and leadership.