Thousands of the Catholic faithful packed St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Sunday to celebrate the 70th birthday of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States.
The pope appeared on the balcony of the Apostolic Palace for his regular Sunday blessing, greeted by a festive crowd holding balloons, banners and signs wishing him a happy birthday.
“I thank my parents, I thank God, and I thank all those who have remembered me in prayer,” he told the crowd.
