On September 14, 2025, Pope Leo XIV celebrated a milestone: his 70th birthday and his first as the leader of the Catholic Church. Elected just four months earlier on May 8, Leo XIV has already begun shaping a pontificate marked by humility, ecumenism, and a renewed focus on global unity. His birthday, which coincides with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, was commemorated with public acts in Vatican City and an outpouring of support from faithful around the world.
The day began with the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer, delivered from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square. Thousands of pilgrims gathered, many holding banners and flags, including a notable presence from Peru—where Pope Leo spent years as a missionary. With a warm smile and a touch of humor, he acknowledged the crowd: “It seems you know I’m turning 70 today,” he said, thanking God, his parents, and all those who remembered him in prayer.
Later in the day, Pope Leo XIV presided over a solemn commemoration of the Martyrs and Witnesses of the Faith of the 21st Century at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The event emphasized his commitment to honoring those who suffer for their beliefs and promoting peace across religious boundaries. In his remarks, the Pope reflected on the significance of his birthday aligning with the Exaltation of the Cross: “From the beginning of my vocation, I have always answered, ‘not my will, but yours, Lord,’” he shared.
The Vatican also released excerpts from the Pope’s first official interview and presented a new biography titled Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the 21st Century, published in Peru. Messages of support poured in from the Italian Episcopal Conference, the Diocese of Rome, and countless faithful online, many expressing admiration for his gentle leadership and spiritual depth.
Children from the Bambino Gesù Hospital sent drawings and birthday wishes, depicting Pope Leo with symbols of peace—a theme central to his early teachings. A modest gathering followed the evening liturgy, where Cardinals and faith leaders shared a birthday cake and sang “Happy Birthday,” honoring the Pope’s life and mission.
As the youngest pope in over three decades, Leo XIV’s first birthday as pontiff marks not just a personal celebration, but a symbolic beginning. His leadership, rooted in compassion and clarity, continues to inspire hope in a world longing for healing and unity.
