Pope Leo XIV celebrated his 70th birthday on March 17, 2024, with a warm public address at the Vatican. During the event, he expressed gratitude to God, his parents, and his followers. The occasion was marked by a festive atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square, where jubilant supporters displayed “Happy Birthday” banners in English, Italian, and Spanish, alongside balloons and congratulatory signs.
The first U.S.-born pope, Leo XIV, was greeted by a gathering of faithful, including vibrant groups of Peruvian believers. These attendees, donning traditional attire, paid tribute to the pope’s two decades of service in Peru as a missionary and bishop. “My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70,” he remarked to enthusiastic applause. The pope expressed his appreciation for those who remembered him in their prayers, highlighting the significance of the moment.
Birthday Celebrations and Diplomatic Milestones
On the eve of his birthday, Pope Leo XIV received a birthday cake from Brian Burch, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. This meeting allowed Burch to present his credentials to the pope, marking an important step in the diplomatic relationship between the United States and the Holy See. The cake, a chocolate delight from Portillo’s—a popular restaurant in Chicago—was topped with a celebratory red sign that read, “Happy Birthday Pope Leo XIV.”
Burch began his tenure as ambassador on March 16, 2024, and the meeting with the pope was described by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See as a notable milestone. The exchange was captured on video, showcasing the friendly atmosphere surrounding the event.
In a testament to the weight of responsibility Leo XIV carries as the leader of the Catholic Church, many attendees acknowledged the challenges he faces. Lorenzo Vecchio, a member of a Catholic university group present in the piazza, remarked, “He definitely needs a lot of support, because he has to carry on a pontificate during a particularly difficult period, both for geopolitical issues and certainly for internal matters.” The support from his followers emphasized their optimism for his leadership, especially given that he was the youngest pope elected since Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II in 1978.
Reflections and Messages from Leaders
Following the public address, Leo XIV presided over an ecumenical prayer service dedicated to the martyrs of the 21st century, further reflecting on the solemn nature of his role. Among those who sent birthday greetings was Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, who praised the pope’s teachings as a source of inspiration during complex times. She stated that Leo’s messages provide “reliable and solid guidance in extremely complex times, when certainties seem to waver and changes are as sudden as they are profound.”
As the day unfolded, many attendees shared fond memories of the pope’s time in Peru. Celso Fernandez, a Rome resident from Leo’s former diocese in Chiclayo, recalled how the local faithful would celebrate their bishop’s birthday alongside a significant religious event. “Now we come to him for his birthday,” he said, encapsulating the deep connection between the pope and his followers.
Pope Leo XIV’s 70th birthday not only highlighted his personal milestone but also underscored the enduring bond between him and the global Catholic community. As he continues to navigate the complexities of his role, the support and love from his followers remain pivotal in his journey.
