Overview

• Thousands filled St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus as León XIV acknowledged his 70th birthday with thanks to God, his parents and those praying for him.
• A large Peruvian delegation unfurled a Monsefú banner in the square, reflecting the pope’s long ministry in Chiclayo and his Peruvian nationality.
• The Vatican said thousands wished him well during a free concert the night before in St. Peter’s Square, which featured a drone tribute to the late Pope Francis.
• Excerpts from his first interview as pope emphasized a steep learning phase, concern over global polarization and the widening gap between rich and poor.
• Later in the day he presided at a service for the martyrs of the 21st century at St. Paul Outside the Walls, as Italy’s president hailed his call for a disarming peace.