On September 14, Pope Leo XIV will turn 70. For many people, this is a birthday that signals a time to slow down, to enjoy grandchildren, to embrace retirement. Yet for Pope Leo, it's a time in his life that signals his greatest -- and most demanding -- mission yet!
This is not as unusual as it might seem. In fact, the Bible is full of holy men who began their life’s work at an age when many would have expected them to be resting. And there's a wonderful lesson to be learned from all their stories:
Abraham
The revered prophet was already 75 when God asked him to leave his homeland and set out “to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:4). Leaving behind the safety of everything he knew, Abraham trusted only in God’s promise — and from that leap of faith came descendants as numerous as the stars. His story reminds us that God’s invitations don’t come with an age limit, and that our lives can open up to unexpected blessings even when we think our path is already set.
Moses
After decades of quiet exile in the desert tending sheep, God called the Hebrew prophet to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites to freedom (Exodus 7:7). It was an immense mission that demanded courage, perseverance, and a steady heart. At the tender age of 80, far from being “too old,” Moses’ years of hardship and waiting had prepared him for this leadership. His story shows us that sometimes God waits until we are seasoned by life before entrusting us with His greatest work.
Simeon
It's also important to note the story of Simeon. He was the righteous man in the Temple who had spent his whole life awaiting the Messiah (Luke 2:25). In his old age, guided by the Spirit, Simeon took the infant Jesus in his arms and knew that God’s promise had been fulfilled. After decades of patient faith, his deepest hope was realized in those final years. Simeon’s witness tells us that no years of waiting are wasted when we wait with God.
These biblical figures remind us that God’s timing is not our timing. Sometimes the greatest calls come when we are most ready to respond with wisdom, perspective, and a heart shaped by years of experience.
That’s why Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is such an inspiring sign for our times. At 70, he doesn’t begin this new chapter with youthful energy alone, but with the fruits of a lifetime lived in faith. He carries with him the patience of Abraham, the perseverance of Moses, and the hope of Simeon — qualities our world urgently needs today.
And perhaps his birthday can be an invitation for all of us. Whether we are 30, 50, or 70, it’s never too late to answer God’s call. We may think our best work is behind us, but the Lord sees possibilities ahead. With Him, every age can be the perfect age to begin again.
