Pope Leo XIV celebrated his 70th birthday on March 10, 2024, with a heartfelt public address at the Vatican, expressing gratitude to God, his parents, and his supporters. The festivities included a birthday cake presented by Brian Burch, the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, during a meeting held the day prior. The event attracted a large gathering of faithful in St. Peter’s Square, where colorful banners and balloons contributed to a festive atmosphere.
In his address, the first U.S.-born pope acknowledged the outpouring of love and support, saying, “My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70.” His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Leo’s birthday celebration featured groups of Peruvian believers, including traditional dancers, reflecting the strong ties he built during his two decades in Peru as a missionary and bishop.
The pope later led an ecumenical prayer service honoring 21st-century martyrs, marking the occasion with a focus on global issues of faith and resilience. He received the chocolate cake from Burch, which was topped with a red sign reading, “Happy Birthday Pope Leo XIV.” The cake, sourced from Portillo’s, a well-known Chicago restaurant, symbolized Leo’s roots and connection to his home city.
Burch, who began his tenure as ambassador on the same day as the birthday celebration, presented his credentials to the pope. The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See noted that this meeting represents an important step in the diplomatic relationship between the United States and the Vatican.
When elected in May 2023, Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, became the youngest pope since Karol Wojtyla ascended as Pope John Paul II in 1978. The pope’s youth has drawn attention, particularly as he navigates the complexities of leading the Catholic Church during challenging geopolitical times.
Lorenzo Vecchio, a member of a Catholic university group present at the celebration, remarked on the significance of Leo’s role, stating, “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 crowd echoed this sentiment, celebrating the pope’s leadership as a source of hope.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni extended her congratulations to the pope, highlighting his preaching as a vital source of inspiration for many. She stated that his teachings provide “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 this new chapter of his life, the support from his followers and leaders alike underscores the impact he has made in his relatively short time as pope. His commitment to faith and community continues to resonate with many around the world.