Pope Leo XIV celebrated his 70th birthday on March 10, 2024, at the Vatican, surrounded by well-wishers and a heartfelt public address. The occasion featured a traditional blessing in St. Peter’s Square, where the first U.S.-born pope expressed gratitude to God, his parents, and followers. Earlier, he received a birthday cake from Brian Burch, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, marking a significant day in his papacy.
A festive atmosphere enveloped St. Peter’s Square, with attendees holding banners and balloons displaying “Happy Birthday” in multiple languages, including English, Italian, and Spanish. Groups of Peruvian believers, including dancers in traditional attire, were particularly prominent, reflecting the pope’s two decades of service in Peru as a missionary and bishop. Pope Leo addressed the crowd, saying, “My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70,” which was met with cheers from the gathered faithful. He continued, expressing his appreciation for the prayers and support he has received.
Later in the day, the pope presided over an ecumenical prayer service dedicated to 21st-century martyrs, emphasizing his commitment to interfaith dialogue and remembrance. The birthday cake presented by Burch was a chocolate delight from Portillo’s, a well-known restaurant in Chicago, the pope’s hometown. The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See described the meeting as a formal introduction of Burch, highlighting its significance in the ongoing diplomatic relationship between the United States and the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV’s election in May 2023 made him the youngest pope since Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II at age 58. His leadership comes during a challenging time for the Catholic Church, as noted by Lorenzo Vecchio, a member of a Catholic university group present at the celebration. Vecchio 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.”
Reflecting on the pope’s roots, Celso Fernandez, a Rome resident originally from Chiclayo, Peru, spoke fondly of how the local community used to celebrate their former bishop’s birthday. This year, they returned to honor him, highlighting his enduring connection to the faithful in Peru.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni also extended her congratulations, expressing her appreciation for the pope’s teachings, which she described as a source of inspiration amidst complex times. She stated, “Leo’s preaching provides reliable and solid guidance in extremely complex times, when certainties seem to waver and changes are as sudden as they are profound.”
As Pope Leo XIV embarks on another year of his papacy, the outpouring of support from around the world illustrates the significant role he plays in contemporary Catholicism, bridging communities and fostering dialogue across cultures.
