Pope Leo XIV marks his 70th birthday, basking in blessings and greetings from around the globe
Pope Leo XIV Celebrates 70th Birthday Amidst Global Well-Wishes
Pope Leo XIV marked his 70th birthday on Sunday in a festive celebration at St. Peter's Square. The occasion was marked by the gathering of hundreds of faithful, who waved balloons, banners, and signs in English, Italian, and Spanish.
The first American pontiff expressed his gratitude to the Lord, his parents, and all those who remembered him in their prayers. He thanked Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella for their birthday greetings.
In his speech, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the challenges of his role as a world leader. 'Being a world leader is entirely new for me, and I am learning a lot,' he said. He reflected on the challenges of his papacy, describing it as a 'huge learning curve' akin to being 'thrown into the deep end of the pool.'
The diplomatic responsibilities of the papacy are more complex, according to Pope Leo. He expressed feeling challenged but not overwhelmed in his role. 'I am a spiritual leader for Catholics worldwide, and the diplomatic aspects of the papacy are a new and complex challenge for me,' he said.
The German Bishops' Conference, represented by its chairman Bishop Georg Bätzing, congratulated Pope Leo XIV. Bishop Bätzing called the Pope a 'bridge-building' figure, noting his presence during church services, audiences, and meetings as evidence of the Church's active involvement among the people.
Individual bishops such as Bishop Franz Jung of Würzburg and the Bishop of Limburg also expressed their birthday wishes and appreciation. They collectively acknowledged Pope Leo's role in uniting believers.
Greetings came from across the globe, including drawings from young patients at Rome's Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital. Many of the drawings conveyed wishes for world peace, with one showing the Pope waving a peace flag between a dove and St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Leo XIV thanked everyone for their good wishes during the Angelus prayer. He blessed the crowd and expressed his hope for continued unity and peace. 'May we all work together to promote peace, justice, and dignity in our world,' he said.
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV's 70th birthday was marked by a joyous celebration at St. Peter's Square. The occasion was an opportunity for the Pope to reflect on the challenges of his role as a world leader and to express his gratitude to those who have supported him.
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