Pope Leo XIV: How does the new pontiff compare to his predecessors?
As the first pope to come from North America and a well-respected moderate, Pope Leo XIV has the chance to unite the church.
news.sky.comPope Leo XIV is 71 years old as of May 2026, having turned 70 in September 2025. Recent coverage notes that he was elected at 69, making him one of the younger popes in recent memory, and that he has since continued his papacy in a more measured, pastoral tone while facing the usual Vatican-level complexities.[1][3][4][6][7]
Key points about age-related news:
- He was elected at 69 in 2024, which drew attention because it was younger than his immediate predecessors Francis and Benedict XVI.[3][4]
- He celebrated his 70th birthday in 2025 with public greetings and a Vatican ceremony, drawing international media coverage.[7][1]
- Several outlets compare his age to historical norms for popes, noting that popes have ranged from the 50s to the 70s at election over the centuries.[4][5]
Selected sources you can check for detailed contemporaneous reporting:
- CBS News recap of his 70th birthday and public remarks.[2][1]
- NBC News profile of turning 70 and comments on his early tenure.[7]
- Sky News comparative piece on how his age stacks up against predecessors.[4]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent articles and summarize any new developments about his age-related public appearances or policy priorities.