Rome: Pope Leo XIV Celebrates 70th Birthday

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his 70th birthday on Sunday, expressing gratitude towards God, his parents, and everyone who has kept him in their prayers.

The first American Pope, Leo, was greeted in St. Peter’s Square by a large “Happy Birthday” banner, adorned with messages in English, Italian, and Spanish, along with balloons. Among the gathered faithful were a group of Peruvian followers, complete with traditional dancers, reflecting the two decades Leo spent as a missionary and bishop in Peru.

“It seems like my loved ones are aware of my milestone today,” Leo said with cheer. “Thank you to the Lord, my parents, and all those who remembered me in their prayers.”

Later that afternoon, he led an ecumenical prayer service honoring martyrs of the 21st century.

When he was elected last May, Leo, formerly Robert Previst, became the youngest pope since Karol Wojtyła, who was elected Pope John Paul II at 58 years old.

Many in the square acknowledged it was Leo’s birthday and wished him well, especially given the significant responsibility he has in guiding the Catholic Church.

“He definitely requires a lot of support as he presides over these challenging times both geopolitically and within the Church,” noted Lorenzo Vecchio, a member of Miyashita’s Catholic University Group. “I’m really glad that we have such a young Pope.”

Celso Fernandez, a resident of Rome from Leo’s former parish in Chiclayo, Peru, reminisced about how the faithful in Chiclayo celebrated the birthday of their former bishop on the same day as a local religious festival. Prevost would often share his birthday celebrations with them, honoring the feast day.

“Now we’re here for his birthday,” he said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sent a special greeting to Leo, expressing gratitude for his teachings. She emphasized how his guidance offers stability and clarity during a complex and rapidly changing era.