| You don’t turn 70 every day, and Pope Leo, despite his schedule, had to celebrate. He did so at St. Paul Outside the Walls, after an ecumenical gathering, together with the cardinals who were present. The Dean of the College of Cardinals addressed him with a few words. (This part can be used as a soundbite or NAT) CARD. GIOVANNI BATTISTA RE 0:44–1:03 – 20250914 – Meeting with the Cardinals – Distribution The first words of His Holiness, as well as the various initiatives of these past four months, have touched the hearts of the faithful. As a result, there is a sense of enthusiasm and affection for the Pope throughout the world. And this was Pope Leo’s response: POPE LEO XIV If there’s anyone with the vitality of a 50-year-old, I think it’s our Dean of the College of Cardinals. Thanks be to God, and thank you, Your Eminence, for your words. It’s a coincidence — or perhaps providence — that this servant was born precisely on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. I cannot separate the two celebrations, so to speak. It’s true. Of course, there was blowing out the candles and cutting the cake that could not to be missed. With a toast and the sound of Happy Birthday, Pope Leo XIV began his 70th year of life. CA Trans. CRT |
