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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Pope Leo will embark on his first trip outside Italy as the leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, travelling to Türkiye and Lebanon, where he is expected to make appeals for peace in the region.
Head of the Catholic church Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday urged the global community to push for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, calling for the release of hostages and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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