Pope Leo XIV marks seven decades amidst blessings and global well-wishes on his birthday.
Pope Leo XIV Celebrates 70th Birthday Amidst Warm Wishes and Peaceful Tributes
Pope Leo XIV marked his 70th birthday on Sunday in a heartwarming celebration at St. Peter's Square. Hundreds of faithful gathered to honour the Pontiff, who reflected on the challenges of his papacy in interviews shared on the special day.
The Pope began the celebration by blessing the crowd during the Angelus prayer. The occasion was made even more special as many messages, including drawings from young patients at Rome's Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital, were presented to him. The drawings conveyed wishes for world peace, with one particularly poignant image showing the Pope waving a peace flag between a dove and St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Leo described his papacy as a "huge learning curve" and compared it to being "thrown into the deep end of the pool." Despite the challenges, he expressed feeling neither overwhelmed nor disheartened by his role as a world leader.
The Pope received messages of congratulations from world leaders and children alike. Italy's President Sergio Mattarella praised Pope Leo XIV for promoting "unarmed and disarming peace" and inspiring dialogue, justice, and dignity globally. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy thanked the Pope for his guidance during challenging times.
The German Bishops' Conference congratulated Pope Leo XIV, calling him a "bridge-building" figure who unites believers. Bishop Dr. Georg Bätzing noted Pope Leo XIV's presence during church services, audiences, and meetings as evidence that the Church is actively among the people.
Papst Leo XIV. wurde anlässlich seines 70. Geburtstags durch zahlreiche Glückwünsche gelobt, darunter vom neuen US-Botschafter beim Heiligen Stuhl Brian Burch, dem italienischen Staatspräsidenten Sergio Mattarella, der Diözese Rom, dem Präsidium der Italienischen Bischofskonferenz mit Kardinal Matteo Zuppi, dem österreichischen Bischof Erzbischof Franz Lackner sowie dem österreichischen Bundespräsidenten Alexander Van der Bellen; außerdem übermittelte die Deutsche Bischofskonferenz einen Glückwunschbrief und der Würzburger Bischof Franz Jung lobte ihn öffentlich.
As the day drew to a close, Pope Leo XIV thanked everyone for their good wishes during the celebration. His birthday was indeed a testament to his enduring influence and the deep affection he has garnered from people around the world.
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