70 Things we love about Pope Leo XIV

In honor of Pope Leo XIV’s 70th birthday, here’s a joyful look at 70 reasons we’re grateful for our pizza-loving, people-loving Pontiff. From his humble Chicago roots to his surprising papal “firsts,” from touching gestures of faith to witty little quirks, Pope Leo has captured hearts around the world. Ad multos annos (many years), Pope Leo!

1. He’s a pizza aficionado. Let's start with the essentials! Hailing from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has a well-documented love of pizza — especially from his hometown favorite, Aurelio’s. In fact, during a summer audience in St. Peter’s Square, some young fans surprised him with a delivery of his beloved Chicago pie, and the Pope lit up like a kid at Christmas -- and ate the pizza, despite the long trip to Rome! (Word is, he even visited that pizzeria as a cardinal, so you know it’s true love!)

2. He squeezes in a daily Wordle. Even popes enjoy a good brain teaser. Right before the conclave that elected him, then-Cardinal Prevost managed to sneak in his Wordle puzzle for the day. We love that in the midst of high stakes, he kept his cool with a little word game — proof that the future pope was literally solving puzzles before solving the world’s problems! Apparently he and his brother are still enjoying the game!

3. He has a cinematic sense of humor. In an almost too-perfect twist, Pope Leo XIV watched the movie Conclave — a drama about electing a pope — just before heading into the real conclave that would change his life, according to ascensionpress.com. He and his brother shared a laugh over the timing. Talk about life imitating art! We adore how he can appreciate irony and take it in stride. The movie, though, isn't reflective of a real conclave, according to this inside source.

4. He’s a die-hard tennis fan. Soccer was Pope Francis’ sport, but Pope Leo is all about tennis. In fact the tennis champ Jannick Sinner was one of the first famous faces to meet him at the Vatican. He’s such an enthusiast that he told an Argentinian newspaper he can’t wait to get back on the court, saying, “I consider myself a great tennis fan … looking forward to getting back on the courts." At 70, he’s still game for a match — and suddenly Catholic pilgrims are following Wimbledon scores with new interest!

5. He’s loyal to the White Sox (sorry, Cubs!). Born and raised near Chicago’s South Side, Pope Leo XIV is a proud Chicago White Sox supporter — not a Chicago Cubs fan, as his brother is quick to clarify. Grace builds on nature, and naturally he was even spotted in the stands at the 2005 World Series cheering on the Sox. That home-team loyalty gives us a smile (and perhaps a dispensation for long-suffering Cubs fans).

6. He even rocked a baseball cap in Vatican City. The Holy Father hasn’t shed his South Side pride: he was seen sporting a White Sox baseball cap in St. Peter’s Square, blending right in with the faithful, as shared by People. Yes, the Vicar of Christ in a ball cap! It’s the kind of down-to-earth touch that makes us love him even more.

7. He’s bringing Chicago hot dogs to Rome. Pope Leo’s love of hometown comfort food is now part of a papal project. In a plan originally dear to Pope Francis, he’s helping launch a restaurant near Rome that will feature Chicago’s favorite eats — including the famous Chicago-style hot dog. Italians may raise an eyebrow, but we think it’s fantastic that visitors (and the Pope himself) can grab a taste of Chicago, all while supporting a good cause (more on that later!).

8. He was an altar server at age 6. The future pope grew up in Dolton, Illinois, attending Mass faithfully with his family and serving at the altar from the time he was just a little boy. By first grade, young Robert Prevost was already expertly carrying candles and books at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish. Those early years taught him to love the Mass — a love that shines through in every liturgy he celebrates now.

9. His parents prayed the Rosary every day. One secret to Pope Leo’s vibrant faith is his devout mom and dad. He recalls that his parents “prayed the Rosary together their whole lives. Every day.” Growing up with a family Rosary ingrained in him a lifelong habit of prayer. It’s a beautiful reminder that behind this pope are holy parents interceding from above.

10. He “played priest” as a kid. Little Robert wasn’t just attending church — he was practicing for the priesthood in his living room! His older brothers fondly recall how he would drape a towel as a chasuble and “play Mass” when they were children. It seems God was planting seeds early. (The only thing missing was a pretend Popemobile!)

11. A neighbor predicted his destiny. In a story that gives us goosebumps, a family neighbor once confidently predicted that young Robert Prevost would become the first American Pope. Everyone laughed it off then — but that prophetic neighbor is probably smiling proudly now. We love this hint that God had big plans for him all along!

12. His mom was a one-woman parish powerhouse. Mildred Prevost, Pope Leo’s mother, was the kind of Catholic mom who did everything at church. She cleaned the pews, led the Rosary group, ran fundraisers, sang in the choir — you name it. She even somehow juggled being head of the altar society and a full-time librarian. No wonder her son learned about selfless service from an early age.

13. His dad was a Navy man and dedicated educator. Louis Prevost, the Pope’s father, served as a Navy lieutenant in World War II and later became a school principal and superintendent. He was also a volunteer catechist in his spare time. From him, Pope Leo learned discipline, patriotism, and the importance of teaching the faith.

14. Priests were always part of the family dinner. Growing up, a young Robert’s family frequently hosted their parish priests for meals (his mom was an excellent cook, after all). The Prevost home was a place of warm hospitality and lively conversation with clergy. Those regular visits demystified the priesthood for the young pope-to-be and made the clergy feel like family friends — which surely helped him feel at home in a clerical life later on.

15. He has two proud older brothers. Pope Leo is the youngest of three boys, and his brothers Louis and John remain two of his biggest supporters. They all served together as altar boys and musicians in their youth, and today his brothers speak publicly about "their immense pride" in his vocation. The sibling bond is strong: John even traveled to Rome for the inauguration and gave interviews about how joyful (and a bit surreal) it is to have your brother as the Pope!

16. His hometown is turning his childhood home into a shrine. The folks back in Dolton, Illinois, couldn’t be prouder of their native son. In fact, the town purchased Pope Leo’s childhood home to make it a historic site for visitors. It’s not every day a little suburban house becomes a pilgrimage stop! This gesture shows the affection and pride his old neighbors have — they watched “Bobby” grow up, and now they’re sharing him with the world.

17. He was born on a feast day of the Cross. Talk about meaningful dates: Pope Leo XIV was born on September 14, 1955 — this date is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The feast commemorates St. Helena finding the True Cross, celebrating Christ’s triumph over sin. We love the symbolism that our Pope, who preaches Christ with joy, entered the world on a day honoring the Cross. It’s as if his whole life is marked by the sign of Jesus’ love.

18. He has a melting-pot heritage. Pope Leo jokes that he’s a walking cultural mosaic. His family background spans French and Italian (from his dad’s side) and Spanish and Creole (from his mom’s side). His maternal grandparents even hailed from New Orleans’ traditionally Catholic Creole community. This rich tapestry of cultures prepared him to feel at home anywhere — and to appreciate the diversity of the Church.

19. He’s the first US-born Pope. For over 2,000 years, no pope had come from the United States — until Pope Leo XIV’s election. Born in Illinois, he made history as the first US-native to occupy the Chair of Peter. Catholics from the States who long wondered “could it ever happen?” got their answer, and they couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s a milestone that honors the faith of American Catholics across generations.

20. He’s the first Pope of Peruvian citizenship. Thanks to two decades of ministry in Peru, Pope Leo holds dual citizenship in Peru and the U.S.. That made him the first Pope from Peru as well (by adoption). The Peruvians claim him proudly, since he spent so many years as a missionary and then a bishop in the Chiclayo region. In a way, he’s a bridge between North and South America — truly a Pope of the whole New World.

21. He’s the first Augustinian Pope. A member of the Order of St. Augustine, Pope Leo XIV is the very first Augustinian friar to become the Successor of Peter. (It only took 1,700+ years!) On the night of his election, he even introduced himself on the balcony by saying, “I am a son of St. Augustine." We love that he brings his order’s charism of community and interiority to the papacy — it’s a fresh breeze from a new spiritual tradition.

22. He’s the first pope born after World War II. Pope Leo was born in 1955, making him the first modern pope not alive during WWII. This marks a generational shift: He understands the post-war, late-20th-century world in a direct way. It’s a subtle “first,” but significant — he’s a Pope for a new era, with a perspective shaped by peace and rebuilding rather than war.

23. He’s the first Pope named “Leo” in over 120 years. The last Pope Leo (XIII) died in 1903, so when Cardinal Prevost announced his regnal name “Leo XIV,” history buffs rejoiced. Choosing “Leo” after such a long gap was a bold nod to the past and future all at once. It links him to the great Leo XIII, who championed Catholic social teaching during the Industrial Revolution — and indeed Pope Leo XIV explicitly chose the name to continue that legacy into our age of AI and new challenges.

24. His election was a Holy Spirit surprise. Vatican-watchers did not see this coming! Pope Leo XIV was considered a “dark horse” candidate — a relatively new cardinal whose name wasn’t on the pundits’ shortlists. Many assumed someone from the USA could never be elected (too geopolitically unlikely) … and then he was chosen on just the second day of the conclave. We love how God upended expectations. This joyful surprise gave the world a reminder that the Holy Spirit, not odds-makers, guides the Church.

25. His name honors an American Catholic legacy. Pope Leo didn’t choose his papal name randomly. He picked “Leo” in homage to Pope Leo XIII, who famously encouraged two American saints — St. Frances Cabrini and St. Katharine Drexel — in their missions. Leo XIII really fostered the growth of the Church in the United States, and now Leo XIV is continuing that work in a new century. This thoughtful choice shows how much he values the history of Catholic social action (and gives a loving wink to those American roots).

26. His motto is all about unity. Pope Leo’s official papal motto is “In illo uno unum,” which translates to “In the One, we are one." It comes from St. Augustine’s writings and perfectly sums up his mission to build Christian unity. We love that he essentially put a mini-sermon in his coat of arms: reminding us that although we are many, in Christ we form one family. Short, sweet, and very much to the point for a world in need of togetherness.

27. His coat of arms tells you who he is. Take one look at Pope Leo XIV’s papal coat of arms and you’ll see his heart on display (literally!). It features a white fleur-de-lis representing the Virgin Mary, and a red flaming heart pierced by an arrow sitting on a Bible — the emblem of the Augustinian Order. In other words, Mary’s purity and Augustine’s ardent love of God’s Word are front and center. It’s a striking symbol of his spirituality: Marian devotion and an Augustinian “restless heart” for God.

28. He calls himself a son of St. Augustine. As previously mentioned, during his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s, Pope Leo introduced himself humbly, not with a list of accomplishments, but by citing his spiritual father: “I am a son of St. Augustine." That simple self-description endeared him to millions. It showed that he views his new role through the lens of his Augustinian community — with humility, fraternity, and a reliance on the wisdom of the saints rather than on ego. A pope who identifies first as a fellow religious brother? We’re on board!

29. A first act as Pope was a prayerful one. Before any grand speeches or decisions, Pope Leo XIV made a quiet, heartfelt gesture: he went to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis. This was one of his very first acts after being elected. Praying there, he honored his predecessor and entrusted his own papacy to God’s hands. It was a touching moment of continuity and humility, almost like getting a blessing from Papa Francisco in heaven.

30. He entrusted his papacy to the Blessed Mother. Just after being elected, Pope Leo slipped out of Rome to honor a particular Marian devotion: Our Lady of Good Counsel, a devotion spread worldwide by the Augustinians. Then he went to Rome’s St. Mary Major Basilica to venerate the icon of Salus Populi Romani, Our Lady “Health of the Roman People." We love that one of his inaugural priorities was asking Our Lady’s intercession — a sure sign of a true son of Mary.

31. His first words were “Peace be with you.” When Pope Leo XIV stepped out to greet the world from the papal balcony, the very first message he imparted was simple and scriptural: “Peace be with all of you!" In a world aching for peace, this was the blessing we needed. It set the tone for a pontificate focused on reconciliation — he literally led with peace. And in his first 100 days, he already had spoken of peace some 100 times!

32. He welcomes everyone into the Church. Pope Leo is following Pope Francis’ legacy of openness with his own personal warmth. A pope who makes marginalized people feel seen and loved — that’s something we truly admire.

33. He’s a peacemaker on the world stage. From the moment of his election, Pope Leo XIV has made it clear that unity and peace are top priorities. He has spoken about working for peace in conflict-torn regions like Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar. In private meetings and public prayers, he consistently invites everyone to seek dialogue over division. In fact, peacemaking is one of the first things he mentions when asked about his goals. We love that the name “Leo” echoes St. Pope Leo the Great, who famously persuaded Attila the Hun to turn back — our Leo seems ready to do his own lion’s share for peace.

34. He has a heart for the poor. Long before he was pope, Leo XIV spent years serving in poor missionary communities in Peru. There he was known for his dedication to the impoverished and his “apostolic zeal” among those in need. As pope, he’s carried that same burning love for the poor into his agenda. Whether he’s speaking about social justice or personally inviting the homeless to dine with him, you can tell he means Matthew 25. His actions echo the Church’s preferential love for the poor, which gives us so much hope.

35. He cares for God’s creation. A true son of Laudato Si’, Pope Leo has voiced concern about climate change and the environment. He understands that caring for the earth is part of our duty as Catholics. In fact, even before becoming pope, he was engaging with issues of ecology and global stewardship. We’re grateful to have a pope who’ll continue the green path of Benedict XVI — reminding us that “the earth is our common home” and we must protect it for future generations.

36. He stands up for migrants and the vulnerable. Pope Leo XIV isn’t shy about defending the dignity of migrants and refugees, an issue dear to his heart. His own brother noted that “he’s not happy with what’s going on with immigration” and that Leo won’t stay silent when people are suffering injustice. True to form, the Pope has emphasized welcoming the stranger and has continued efforts to make the Church a refuge for those fleeing war and poverty. In an age of walls and barriers, he’s building bridges and washing feet.

37. He’s following in Francis’ footsteps. Although he’s now the shepherd of the Church, Pope Leo has made it clear he isn’t hitting “reset” on the goodness that came before him. His brother John confidently said Leo will be “following in Francis’ footsteps,” as shared by People — and not just because Francis was also from the Americas. In fact, John revealed that Pope Francis and his brother were very good friends, even before either of them held high office. That personal friendship helps explain why Pope Leo so naturally continues Francis’ legacy of mercy, simplicity, and outreach to the peripheries.

38. He’s launching a restaurant with a mission. In a wonderfully creative project, Pope Leo XIV just helped announce the opening of Borgo Laudato Si’ — a restaurant and training center at the former papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo. Teaming up with chefs from his native Chicago, he’s continuing with a plan started by Francis, and turning a chunk of the papal villa into a sustainable farm-to-table restaurant that will provide jobs and culinary training for migrants. Imagine, an enterprise that showcases Chicago deep-dish and Peruvian dishes, supports the integration of immigrants, and promotes sustainable farming — it’s the Gospel served with a side of fries! We adore this innovative approach to charity and cultural exchange.

39. He invited the poor to dinner. In one of his first big acts as Pope, Leo XIV made sure a celebration wasn’t just for VIPs. At Castel Gandolfo recently, he personally invited a group of poor and homeless people to join him for a meal. It was like the parable of the heavenly banquet come to life — he literally said, “Bring in the poor” to his table. A monsignor in the Vatican noted that the Holy Father would be “really pleased if we invited the poor, like he recently did at Castel Gandolfo.” This kind of concrete love for the least among us is a thing of beauty.

40. He reaches out to other faiths. Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass in May 2025 drew an astonishing 200,000 people, and notably, included leaders and representatives from a wide array of world religions. From rabbis to imams to patriarchs, many came to celebrate and pray alongside him. It’s a sign of how much respect he commands and how willing he is to foster dialogue. In a time of tension, seeing a Pope who can unite people of different faiths in shared hope is truly inspiring.

41. He’s a math whiz (with a heart). Believe it or not, our Pope is a bit of a nerd in the best way: he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University. Maybe that logical mind helps him solve complex Church problems! More importantly, it shows he values education and critical thinking. We love having a brainy pontiff who can discuss theology and maybe even calculus over coffee.

42. He’s got a Canon Law doctorate. After studying philosophy and theology in the U.S., Pope Leo went on to complete a Doctorate in Canon Law (JCD) at Rome’s Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, a.k.a. the Angelicum. So yes, he’s Dr. Pope Leo XIV! He deeply understands the laws and structures of the Church, but he wears that knowledge humbly. (We suspect he’s the type who could fix complex annulment paperwork before breakfast.)

43. He speaks your language (probably). Pope Leo’s first language is English, but he’s impressively multilingual. By the time he became Pope, he could speak English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and read Latin and German. He’s practically a one-man Pentecost. This gift of languages lets him connect with people all over the world directly. Whether he’s joking with Italian schoolkids or preaching in Spanish, he makes people feel seen and understood.

44. He led a global order for 12 years. From 2001 to 2013, Leo XIV (then Fr. Prevost) served as Prior General of the Augustinian Order, overseeing thousands of Augustinian friars across more than 40 countries. That’s serious leadership experience. He dealt with everything from training young friars in Africa to supporting missions in Asia. Guiding an international religious family gave him a crash course in listening, consensus-building, and decision-making — skills he now uses to shepherd the universal Church.

45. He’s a globe-trotter for the Gospel. During his stint as head of the Augustinians, he didn’t stay cloistered in Rome. He traveled extensively to visit the Order’s communities on every continent. One could say he was a missionary even as an administrator. Those travels allowed him to meet Catholics from all cultures and to understand the diverse challenges of the Church worldwide. By the time he became Pope, he had friends literally everywhere — and a well-stamped passport!

46. He spent over a decade as a missionary bishop. In 2015, Fr. Prevost was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru, after years of grassroots ministry there. He shepherded that diocese for about 8 years, plus a couple of years as an Apostolic Administrator in another diocese. So he knows what it’s like to run a diocese with limited resources, to teach the faith in remote villages, and to be “Padre Roberto” who visits the sick in their huts. That on-the-ground pastoral experience in Peru formed him into the compassionate pastor we now see on the world stage.

47. Pope Francis saw his potential. In 2023, Pope Francis made Robert Prevost the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — essentially putting him in charge of helping the pope choose new bishops worldwide. He was also made a cardinal at that time. The fact that Francis entrusted him with such a crucial role shows the esteem he was held in. It’s like Pope Francis handed him a baton and said “you’ve got this.” Less than two years later, the cardinals clearly agreed!

48. He’s met three previous popes. Here’s a fun tidbit: Pope Leo XIV personally met St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis during his journey as a priest and bishop. There are even photos of these encounters, which Leo’s friends jokingly call his “collection of holy selfies.” Not many people in history can say they knew three popes before becoming one! It’s touching to imagine that he carries a bit of each of their wisdom with him — a man formed by personal encounters with his holy predecessors.

49. He quotes St. Augustine a lot. No surprise, the first Augustinian pope loves to drop wisdom from his favorite saint in his speeches. In fact, he’s publicly quoted St. Augustine in nearly every major homily and message. Whether it’s on unity, hope, or charity, he effortlessly weaves Augustine’s 4th-century insights into today’s context. We’re basically getting a mini Augustine revival, and we are here for it!

50. He calls Jesus “the best friend of all.” Pope Leo has a beautiful way of speaking about our Lord. He often emphasizes a personal relationship with Christ — even once saying, “Jesus is the best friend of all.” This down-to-earth description makes the faith feel intimate and accessible. It’s not every day you hear the Pope describing Jesus in such a tender, relatable way. It shows his pastoral heart: he wants everyone to know the closeness and friendship of Jesus.

51. He urges young people to make their lives masterpieces. In his homily at the Mass where he canonized two young blesseds, Pope Leo XIV gave a rallying cry to the youth. “The greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God’s plan,” he preached, warning not to squander life but to “direct it upwards and make [it] a masterpiece,” as shared by ABC7Chicago. We love this inspiring challenge! It’s very Leo to encourage sanctity and not just success. With a Pope like this, a new generation of saints feels possible.

52. He gave us the first millennial saint. On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized Blessed Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer whiz who died in 2006, declaring him the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. Carlo, dubbed “God’s influencer,” used his tech skills for evangelization. By proclaiming him a saint, Pope Leo held up a relatable role model for young people in the digital age. The sight of a teen saint in jeans and sneakers being raised to the altars — before a crowd of 80,000 young pilgrims — was a joyous moment for the whole Church.

53. He canonized a modern “man of the beatitudes.” In the same ceremony, Pope Leo XIV canonized Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a beloved young Italian layman from the 1920s known for his charity and love of mountains. By declaring Pier Giorgio a saint alongside Carlo, Pope Leo showed his enthusiasm for uplifting “ordinary” holy people who lived life to the full. He noted that both new saints turned their lives into “masterpieces” by dedicating them to God. We love that Pope Leo celebrates saints who were fun-loving, service-oriented, and deeply faithful — it mirrors his own joyful approach to holiness.

54. He promotes Eucharistic adoration. One common thread Pope Leo highlights is the Eucharist. He has pointed to young Carlo Acutis’ love for spending hours in Eucharistic adoration as something especially important today. (Carlo used to say the Eucharist was his “highway to heaven.”) Pope Leo knows many Catholics struggle with belief in the Real Presence, so he’s encouraging us to rekindle our Eucharistic faith. Under his guidance, the ongoing Eucharistic revival in the Church gains even more steam.

55. His smile is absolutely infectious. One of Pope Leo’s trademarks is the big, beaming smile he flashes whenever something delights him. When a group of pilgrims surprised him with that Chicago pizza, “seeing the logo made him light up, and his smile was from ear to ear,” according to one awestruck onlooker. That pure joy — whether greeting a crowd or spotting pepperoni — warms hearts instantly. It’s often said that joy is the best sign of God’s presence, and Pope Leo’s joyful grin might be proof of that!

56. He’s wonderful with children. Pope Leo XIV has a special tenderness for little ones. We’ve seen him stop the popemobile to kiss babies and bend down to hug toddlers who waddle up to him. Just days after his election, during a visit to a Roman basilica, he cheerfully took time to bless a baby in the crowd. He does it all with a grandfatherly gentleness that makes parents melt and babies coo. It’s clear he sees Christ in these “little ones,” and nothing could be more endearing.

57. He can multitask pastorally (with pizza in hand!). Perhaps one of the funniest anecdotes so far: during that pizza hand-off in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo managed to bless a baby and grab a pizza box at the same time. According to Madeline, the young woman who delivered the pizza, “he had babies in his hand, but he’s still saying, like, ‘Get me that pizza, I want that pizza,’” all with a grin. This moment became instantly viral. It showed a Pope who is 100% human and 100% devoted — blessing infants and enjoying a slice almost simultaneously. We can’t help but chuckle and love him more for it.

58. He’s got a musical side. Young Robert Prevost wasn’t just an altar boy — he also served as a church musician in his teens. Whether it was singing in the choir or strumming a guitar at youth group, he wasn’t shy about using his talents for worship. That musical upbringing means he appreciates good liturgical music (and probably knows a thing or two about Gregorian chant and modern hymns!). Who knows, maybe he’ll surprise us by humming an old Augustinian hymn one day. What we do know is that he's got the whole Church learning or re-learning the traditional Latin chants of basic prayers, after he stunned us by simply and spontaneously chanting the prayers during his first Regina Caeli.

59. He puts prayer first. Despite his many responsibilities, Pope Leo never forgets the power of prayer. He often humbly asks people to pray for him. As he turns 70, an entire global “spiritual bouquet” of prayers is being offered for his intentions, as reported in Detroit Catholic. In fact, organizers playfully dubbed it “Pizza and Prayer,” encouraging Catholics to say a novena or rosary for the Pope and then celebrate with a slice of pizza in his honor! His response? Gratitude, of course. He knows the best gift he can receive is our prayers — and that speaks volumes about his humility and faith.

60. He has a great sense of humor. Those who meet Pope Leo often remark on how relaxed and witty he is. Fr. James Martin SJ said of their papal meeting, “It was wonderful. It was very consoling and very encouraging and frankly a lot of fun.” Yes, fun! We tend to imagine papal meetings as solemn, but Pope Leo’s friendly humor puts people at ease. He’s known to crack gentle jokes, tease old friends, and share hearty laughs. A joyful heart like his shows that holiness can have a smile and a wink.

61. He’s steeped in theological hope. Here’s something many might not know: years ago, Bishop Prevost wrote an academic piece on the hope of creation in St. Augustine’s theology, according to NCRegister. In it, he reflected on the “last things” (death, judgment, Heaven, Hell) with a focus on hope. This obscure publication reveals how deeply he’s thought about our ultimate destiny and God’s mercy. We love having a pope who’s not only pastoral and funny, but also a true theologian of hope, “thoroughly drenched in Augustine’s theology."

62. He makes his family (on earth and in heaven) proud. Pope Leo’s brother John shared that if their late parents were alive to see this moment, they’d “be on Cloud 9.” His mom and dad’s legacy clearly lives on in him. And from the other side of the veil, we’re sure they’re cheering him on. We also think often of Pope Leo’s baptismal patron, St. Robert, and his confirmation saint (if known) — they must be proud of how he’s living out the faith they inspired. The communion of saints, including his own family members, rejoices in this humble servant leading the Church.

63. He was friends with Pope Francis before either became pope. Talk about a blessed friendship: John Prevost revealed that his brother and Jorge Bergoglio (Pope Francis) were “very good friends” and knew each other even before Robert became a bishop. They likely crossed paths in their Latin American ministry. This longstanding camaraderie means Pope Leo isn’t just Francis’ successor, but in a way, his spiritual brother carrying forward a shared vision. It adds a poignant layer to see a friend gently pick up the mantle of a friend. It reminds us of Benedict and John Paul II!

64. He’s balanced, not divisive. In an era of polarizations, Pope Leo XIV comes across as refreshingly moderate and fair-minded. His brother John described his views as “middle of the road” — not leaning to extremes. He listens, he discerns, and he seeks consensus. But “middle of the road” doesn’t mean wishy-washy; it means he avoids sharp ideological rifts. This balance gives us hope that he can heal some divides in the Church. As John added, Leo won’t hesitate to use his platform to stand up on important issues of justice (especially immigration) — but he’ll do so in a way that unites rather than alienates. Check out what he's said about listening.

65. He seeks to bring people together. Another thing his family notes is that Pope Leo is a natural bridge-builder. Brother Louis said he hopes Leo can “bring all these sides together” within the Church. And indeed, Pope Leo has shown himself to be a listener who consults widely: “He seeks out guidance … from fellow Cardinals, from nuns, from priests [and] bishops,” Louis shared. We absolutely love this collaborative spirit. It’s very Acts of the Apostles — the Pope working with the whole People of God. His open-minded leadership makes unity achievable.

66. Even sports legends want to hang out with him. Pope Leo’s popularity isn’t limited to church circles; he’s caught the attention of the wider world. Case in point: NFL legend Peyton Manning revealed that he sent Pope Leo a handwritten letter inviting him to appear on the famous ManningCast (the football commentary show Peyton hosts). Peyton addressed him as “Your Holiness” and basically said, “We’d love to have you, any time.” How many popes get personal invites from Hall of Fame quarterbacks?! It’s a lighthearted sign that Pope Leo’s warmth and humanity resonate far beyond the pews — even on the gridiron.

67. He inspires “pizza and prayer” parties. Leave it to Pope Leo to indirectly start a new Catholic trend. For his 70th birthday, a coalition of Catholic organizations launched a campaign encouraging the faithful to pray for the Pope and then celebrate by enjoying some pizza in his honor. They rightly dubbed it “Pizza and Prayer.” We can’t think of a more delightful tribute: nourishing the soul with prayer and the body with a good slice, all because this Pope’s persona invites both spiritual devotion and simple joy. If that doesn’t sum up why we love him, what does?

68. He’s making his birthday a Church-wide family day. Providentially, Pope Leo’s 70th birthday falls on a Sunday this year, and he’s turned it into an occasion for the whole Church to unite. Msgr. Roger Landry noted that on September 14, “his spiritual family” around the world will be praying for him at Mass and then celebrating him with a shared meal, ideally including those in need. The Pope’s own example (like inviting the poor to lunch) has spurred this idea. It’s basically one big Catholic family birthday party, where everyone’s included. We love that he’s the kind of pope who makes us all feel like part of one family.

69. He leads by example with humility. Pope Leo XIV truly embodies the title “Servant of the servants of God.” He’s not one to seek pomp or personal glory. Instead, he’s consistently shown that he’s here to serve. Whether it’s slipping into a side chapel to pray, asking the world to pray for him, or quietly continuing the charitable works of his predecessors, he leads with a refreshing lack of ego. Even non-Catholics have been struck by his gentle, unassuming demeanor. In an age of loud leaders, his humility shines as a light of Christlike leadership.

70. He makes holiness fun. Ultimately, we love Pope Leo XIV because he shows that being holy doesn’t mean being dour. He laughs, he loves baseball and pizza, he cherishes family and friends, and he radiates the joy of the Gospel in all these little ways. By being fully himself — a warm, witty, faithful man — he gives us permission to be joyful in our faith, too. As Detroit Catholic put it: “Happy birthday, Pope Leo. You are in our prayers.”