Pope Leo XIV celebrated his 70th birthday on Sunday at St. Peter’s Square, blessing the faithful and receiving messages from around the world, including from world leaders and children.
Hundreds of faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to celebrate the Pontiff's anniversary, waving balloons, banners, and signs in English, Italian, and Spanish. He blessed the crowd during the Angelus prayer and thanked everyone for their good wishes.
“My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70,” the Pope said to applause. “I thank the Lord, my parents and all those who remembered me in their prayers.”
The Vatican reported that greetings came from across the globe, including drawings from young patients at Rome’s Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, which Pope Leo visited in August. Many of the drawings conveyed wishes for world peace, with one showing the Pope waving a peace flag between a dove and St. Peter’s Basilica.
In interviews shared Sunday, Pope Leo reflected on the challenges of his papacy, describing it as a “huge learning curve” akin to being “thrown into the deep end of the pool.” The first American pontiff said he has quickly adapted to being a spiritual leader for Catholics worldwide, though he noted the diplomatic responsibilities of the papacy are more complex.
“Being thrown onto the level of world leader is entirely new,” Leo said. “I’m learning a lot and feeling very challenged, but not overwhelmed.”
The Pope also received greetings from world leaders. Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella praised Leo for promoting “unarmed and disarming peace” and for inspiring dialogue, justice, and dignity globally. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked him for his guidance during challenging times.
The German Bishops’ Conference congratulated Pope Leo XIV, calling him a “bridge-building” figure who unites believers. Bishop Dr. Georg Bätzing noted the Pope’s presence during church services, audiences, and meetings as evidence that the Church is actively among the people.
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Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
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