Pope Leo XIV Blows Out the Candles on a Surprise Birthday Cake at the Vatican Library for his 71st Birthday! VIDEO

Pope Leo XIV Turns 71

Pope Leo XIV marks his 71st birthday on September 14, 2026, receiving well-wishes worldwide, including a message from the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI) thanking him for emphasizing Gospel priority, welcoming communities, and the link between forgiveness and peace. Born in Chicago in 1955, the Pontiff enters his 72nd year with key themes defining his papacy: peace, unity, and human dignity.

Pope Leo blew out the candles and ate cake on his 71st birthday. The celebration took place at the Vatican, following the opening of a Library exhibition. Visiting the historic Apostolic Archives and the Apostolic Library in the Vatican on Monday, Pope Leo XIV inaugurated the ““AQVA. Catastrophe and Wonder” Exhibition”. Speaking to staff of the Library and Archives, the Pope highlighted his first visit to the Library as pontiff, “following in the footsteps” of his predecessors. Staff from the Apostolic Archive sang “Happy Birthday” in Italian, and all those present celebrated with Leo XIV. 

Key Highlights of His Past Year

• Focus on Peace & Reconciliation: Mentioned peace and reconciliation over 400 times in public addresses, maintaining his core vision of an "unarmed and disarming" peace.

• Historic Travels: Made his first Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon (celebrating 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea), became the first Pope to visit Monaco and Algeria, and addressed the Spanish Parliament.

• Key Writings & Focus: Issued his first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, advocating for ethical AI centered on human dignity; completed the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te on serving the poor; and visited Lampedusa to meet with migrants.

• Jubilee Conclusion: Formally closed the 2025 Jubilee Year on January 6 by closing the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.