Here’s the latest publicly reported information I can share about Pope Leo XIV’s age.
- Pope Leo XIV was elected in May 2024 at age 69, making him one of the younger popes in recent decades. This has been noted by multiple outlets as he began his papacy at a comparatively younger age.[3][4]
- He turned 70 in September 2025, with several reports describing his birthday celebrated in St. Peter’s Square and a public greeting from the faithful, including a cake presented by the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See.[1][4][5]
If you’d like, I can pull up current live sources or provide a timeline of key events in his papacy related to his age and leadership role.
Sources
Gatherers in St. Peters Square held up giant “Happy birthday” banners, in English, Italian and Spanish, balloons and congratulatory signs.
www.khou.comThe new Pope is 69 years old. Here are the ages at which the three previous Popes began their papacies: John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.
en.as.comAt 69 Leo XIV was elected pope at a significantly younger age than his two immediate predecessors, Francis and Benedict XVI -- something observers, including his own brother, believe will bring fresh dynamism to the Holy See. Born in 1955, at election Leo XIV is seven years younger than Francis, nine years younger than Benedict XVI and a whopping 18 years greener than the oldest man ever chosen to head the Vatican.
economictimes.indiatimes.comHistory'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.
www.nbcnews.comGet breaking national and world news, broadcast video coverage, and exclusive interviews. Find the top news online at ABC news.
abcnews.go.comPope Leo XIV has marked his 70th birthday by thanking God, his parents and all those who prayed for him.
www.cbsnews.comPope Leo XIV has marked his 70th birthday by thanking God, his parents and all those who prayed for him.
www.cbsnews.comThe first Pope with the same name was Pope Leo the Great, who led the church from 440 to 661. The name Leo has been adopted by 14 Popes.
www.ndtv.com