Pope Leo XIV marks his 70th birthday

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his 70th birthday on Sunday, four months after his election as the 267th successor of St. Peter. In St. Peter’s Square, the faithful greeted him with banners, balloons, and congratulatory signs during his traditional noon blessing.

Later, he presided over a service at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, honoring 21st-century martyrs. Since his election at age 69, the youngest pope since 1978, Pope Leo XIV has emphasized dialogue, reconciliation, and solidarity, while addressing global conflicts and social challenges.