Pope Leo XIV turns 70; he celebrates at the Vatican after four months of pontificate.

Pope Leo XIV celebrates his seventieth birthday, celebrating for the first time as pontiff in the Holy See . The Holy Father thanked the Catholic faithful around the world for their congratulations and prayers on Sunday, September 14.

Robert Francis Prevost Martinez became the 267th pope of the Catholic Church and the ninth ruler of Vatican City on May 8, just weeks after the death of Pope Francis on April 21.

Four months after assuming leadership of the Church, Leo XIV celebrates this personal milestone with joy and good health amidst his pastoral responsibilities.

“ Dear friends, today I turn seventy . I thank the Lord and my parents; and I also thank all those who have remembered me in their prayers ,” the pontiff wrote on his official X account (formerly Twitter).

Pope Leo XIV wrote this message using his digital platforms to reach millions of Catholic faithful around the world, with whom he quickly demonstrated a great closeness.

During these first months of pontificate, Leo XIV focused his efforts on the unity of the Church , caring for the most needy , and promoting the values ​​of faith and charity, maintaining the continuity of the work begun by his predecessor, Pope Francis .

Pope Leo XIV's birthday comes at a time of reflection for the Catholic Church , which looks forward to how its new leader faces the pastoral and social challenges of the 21st century.

Faithful around the world have expressed their good wishes through messages, prayers, and celebrations at local parishes, thus cementing the spiritual connection between Pope Leo XIV and the international Catholic community on such a significant day.