Pope Leo XIV marked his 70th birthday on Sunday with a public address in which he thanked God, his parents and his followers, after previously receiving a birthday cake from the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.

Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, saw giant "Happy birthday" banners, in English, Italian and Spanish, balloons and congratulatory signs held up by the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for his traditional noon blessing. Groups of Peruvian believers, including dancers in traditional attire, were out in force, a testament to the two decades the pope spent in the South American country as a missionary and a bishop at the time.

"My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70," Leo said to cheers. "I thank the Lord, my parents and all those who remembered me in their praye

See Full Page