Pope Leo XIV celebrates 70th birthday, receives blessings and global greetings

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 Pope Leo XIV’s 70th birthday, waving balloons, banners, and signs in English, Italian, and Spanish. The pontiff 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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