ROME — Pope Leo XIV has marveled at the “huge learning curve” he has taken on as pontiff and likened some aspects of the job to jumping “in on the deep end of the pool very quickly,” in excerpts of an interview released Sunday on his 70th birthday.

History’s first American pope said he had quickly found his footing as a pastor for the universal Catholic Church, but discovered the diplomatic job of being pope was more challenging.

Dolton plans celebration for Pope Leo XIV’s 70th birthday on Sunday

“The totally new aspect to this job is being thrown onto the level of world leader,” he was quoted as saying. “I’m learning a lot and feeling very challenged, but not overwhelmed. On that one I had to jump in on the deep end of the pool very quickly.”

The interview was conducted by Vatican c

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