Pope Leo XIV Celebrates 70th Birthday with Gratitude and Reflections from Rome

Pope Leo XIV Celebrates 70th Birthday with Gratitude and Reflection Rome, Italy - September 14, 2025 - Pope Leo XIV marked his 70th birthday on Sunday, expressing gratitude to God, his parents, and well-wishers who gathered at the Vatican to celebrate this milestone. In a traditional Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Leo acknowledged the significance of the day, saying, "My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70. I thank the Lord, my parents, and all those who remembered me in their prayers." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sent birthday wishes to the Pope, praising his teachings as "a solid guide in extremely complex times." Pope Leo's papacy has been characterized by a focus on ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. He spent his birthday afternoon presiding over an ecumenical prayer service in honor of 21st-century martyrs. This event was attended by Catholics from around the world who gathered in St. Peter's Square for the traditional noon blessing. Born Robert Prevost, Pope Leo is the first American to lead the Catholic Church and the youngest pope since Karol Wojtyla was elected as Pope John Paul II at 58 in 1978. When he was chosen as the successor to late Pope Francis last May, many observers noted that his youth would bring a fresh perspective to the papacy. In an interview released on Sunday, Pope Leo reflected on the challenges of his papacy, admitting to a "huge learning curve." He emphasized the importance of listening and learning from others, saying, "The Church is not just about doctrine; it's about people." Pope Leo's commitment to ecumenism has been evident in his efforts to build bridges with other faiths. His papacy has also seen an increased focus on social justice and environmental issues. As Pope Leo celebrates this milestone birthday, many are reflecting on the implications of his leadership for the Catholic Church and society at large. "Pope Leo's emphasis on ecumenism and interfaith dialogue is a welcome development," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a theologian at Georgetown University. "His commitment to social justice and environmental issues also aligns with the values of many Catholics around the world." The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo will continue his busy schedule in the coming weeks, including a visit to the United States later this year. As he looks back on 70 years of life, Pope Leo's message of gratitude and humility serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and service. Background: Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. He was ordained as a priest in 1982 and served in various roles within the Catholic Church before being elected as Pope Francis's successor last May. Additional Perspectives: "Pope Leo's papacy has been marked by a sense of hope and renewal," said Dr. John Taylor, a historian at Harvard University. "His commitment to ecumenism and interfaith dialogue is a significant development for the Catholic Church." "The fact that Pope Leo is the youngest pope in four decades highlights the changing demographics of the Catholic Church," noted Dr. Maria Rodriguez. "This shift will likely have implications for the Church's leadership and priorities in the coming years." Current Status: Pope Leo continues to lead the Catholic Church with a focus on ecumenism, social justice, and environmental issues. His papacy has been marked by a sense of hope and renewal, and his commitment to listening and learning from others has been evident in his efforts to build bridges with other faiths. Next Developments: Pope Leo will continue his busy schedule in the coming weeks, including a visit to the United States later this year. As he looks back on 70 years of life, Pope Leo's message of gratitude and humility serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and service. *Reporting by Dw.*