Pope Leo XIV marked his 70th birthday on Sunday with heartfelt gratitude and a special celebration at the Vatican. The pontiff, the first American pope in history, shared his thanks in a warm post on X, saying, “Dear friends, today I turn seventy years old. I give thanks to the Lord and to my parents; and I thank all those who have remembered me in their prayers.”
The day also coincided with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a key event in the Catholic calendar. Pope Leo XIV reflected on its deep meaning, noting how God turned the cross—a symbol of death—into a powerful sign of life and salvation. “His love is greater than our own sin,” he added in another X update, reminding everyone that nothing can separate us from divine grace.
During the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the pope blessed the crowds and acknowledged their birthday cheers. “My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70,” he said with a smile, drawing applause from hundreds of well-wishers. People waved happy birthday banners in English, Italian, and Spanish, along with colorful balloons and signs. Many drawings from children captured wishes for world peace—one adorable sketch showed the pope waving a peace flag, flanked by a dove and the Vatican Basilica in white and yellow, with him saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”
Speaking about his journey as pope, Leo XIV opened up on the steep learning curve. He compared it to “jumping into the deep end of the pool” right away. While he’s settled into his role as a spiritual guide for the global Catholic Church, he admitted the diplomatic side of being pontiff brings unique challenges. It’s all part of leading the universal Church with compassion and resolve.
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