Pope Leo XIV celebrates 71st birthday with Vatican agenda

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is celebrating his 71st birthday. The first American pope, who also holds citizenship in Peru and Vatican City, is marking the occasion with his usual working schedule in the Vatican rather than formal celebrations.

Key activities include the inauguration of the ‘Aqva’ exhibition at the Vatican Apostolic Library, which addresses water as both a vital resource and a climate threat. The Pope has also recently issued a decree revoking salary reductions for cardinals that were implemented by his predecessor, Pope Francis, during the pandemic.

Global leaders and religious institutions have sent well-wishes. Italian President Sergio Mattarella praised the Pope’s magisterium as a symbol of hope, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted his calls for hope and vision. The Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) expressed gratitude for his ministry, noting his emphasis on the link between forgiveness and peace.