Pope Leone XIV marked his 70th birthday on Sunday, drawing heartfelt messages of gratitude and prayer from Church leaders, civil authorities, and communities across the globe.
At the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin assured the Pope of the Curia’s closeness, thanking him for his “tireless witness to the Gospel” and pledging prayers for his health. Italy’s bishops hailed him as “a gift of hope and fraternity,” while the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines dedicated parish Masses nationwide to prayers of thanksgiving.
From Africa, SECAM praised his call for justice and peace. Religious communities, including the Jesuits and Caritas Internationalis, credited his leadership for inspiring service at the margins and strengthening efforts for the poor.
Political and ecumenical leaders also joined in. Italian President Sergio Mattarella commended his defense of human dignity, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres lauded his advocacy for peace and care for creation. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the World Council of Churches emphasized their joy in shared Christian witness.
Around the world, the faithful marked the occasion with Masses, vigils, and creative tributes – from youth in Poland offering 50,000 pledged prayers to Latin American parishes holding thanksgiving liturgies.
The global chorus of greetings reflects the Pope’s enduring moral authority and his role as a symbol of unity and compassion.
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