Rome, 14 September 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Pope Leo XIV marked his birthday with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God and the faithful on Sunday in St Peter's Square.

"My dear ones, it seems you know that I have turned 70 today," the pope told several thousand people after the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer.

"I thank the Lord, my parents and all those who have included me in their prayers."

In the square in front of St Peter's Basilica, numerous people held up colourful balloons, signs and banners with birthday greetings.

They read "Best Wishes, Pope Leo" in Italian. Others wished him well in English, the native language of the first US citizen to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

After his words of thanks, bands began to play festive music to celebrate the pontiff's birthday.

Photo: EPA