Celebration of Pope Leo XIV 70th birthday today
Today happen to be the 70th birthday of Pope Leo XIV, though many still call him by his birth name Robert Francis Prevost. Born long back in September 14, 1955, Chicago city, United States, a place far different from Rome where he now sit as leader of the Catholic Church. When people look at that date, it not just another mark on calendar, it the start of a journey that carried him across oceans, cultures, and finally into history.
When he was a young boy in Chicago, nobody could have guessed that one day he would wear the white robe of papacy. He was like many others, child of immigrant roots—mix of French, Italian, Spanish blood in his family line. His growing years simple yet shaped him, church bells, school, neighborhood life, all of it quietly pulling him toward something greater. Vita est donum Dei—life is gift of God—yet not everyone know how big that gift can stretch.
Robert, before he become Pope Leo XIV, joined the Order of St. Augustine. That decision was like planting seed that grew slowly but firm. He studied, he prayed, he travelled. What stand out most in his life is the time he spent in Peru. Not just a visitor but missionary, pastor, teacher, almost like one of them, speaking their language, eating their food, walking their streets. Peru gave him a second home, even second citizenship, and maybe it gave him softer heart too.
This birthday then is not just about number of years he lived, but about the kind of path he walked. Every age added to him was like another layer of experience: Chicago to Lima, Lima to Rome, then higher and higher until finally he was called to sit on St. Peter’s chair. Tempus fugit—time runs fast—but his path look slow and steady like a man carrying heavy candle through long corridor.
In May 2025, history changed when he was chosen as pope. The world knew him from that moment as Pope Leo XIV. His name choice was telling. The “Leo” connects him to a line of strong, wise leaders from centuries past, including Leo the Great, who once defended faith against heresy and even faced down Attila the Hun. The “XIV” show continuation, like a chapter number in a story that never really ends. He wanted to tie himself to that strength but also bring something fresh from his own roots.
So, his birthday today—it’s not balloons, cakes, noise. It’s memory of a life that began small and ordinary, yet stretched global. The first pope from the United States, a man also tied deeply to Peru, now guiding Rome and the world. That alone speak volumes. Historia viva est—history is alive—and his life prove it again.
When people think of Pope Leo XIV birthday, it less about age number, more about meaning. It’s about how a boy from Chicago could rise with grace into one of the most important voices on earth. About how every year is not wasted if you live with purpose. About how God can surprise the world with choices nobody expected.
For me, his birthday echo like reminder that life can change course in ways unseen. It makes me think how every birth is start of story not yet told. And with Pope Leo XIV, the story still writing itself day by day.
What a beautifully written reflection 🙏. Pope Leo XIV’s journey truly shows how God shapes lives in ways no one can predict. From the streets of Chicago to the humble missions in Peru, and now seated as shepherd of the Church in Rome—his story is both inspiring and humbling. It reminds us that every step, no matter how ordinary, can prepare us for something extraordinary. Wishing him blessings of health, wisdom, and grace on his 70th birthday. 🎉✝️