People born under the sign of Virgo are considered meticulous, analytical, and perfectionistic, with a keen sense of order and detail. They are also described as modest, helpful and hardworking. Perhaps the most famous man who fits this astrological profile is Pope Leo XIV. He turned 71 on Monday, 14 September.
The first American to occupy the Papal Throne has been in office for nearly a year and a half. Staff members and media professionals alike have by now formed an impression of the new pontiff. Leo XIV himself also seems to have settled into his new role. Contrary to what his papal name might suggest, this “Lion” moves through the corridors of the Vatican observing rather than roaring – a quiet representative of his kind.
Well-Considered Decisions
His mandate is one of stabilisation. Surrounded by advisors with their own agendas, an administrative apparatus that has been entrenched for decades, and a constant stream of new ecclesiastical-political campaigns, Leo XIV must carefully weigh every decision. Yet, the risk of getting it wrong remains.
His predecessors faced similar challenges. However, Leo XIV’s approach differs significantly from that of Francis (2013–2025), for instance. Instead of relying on “trial and error,” he favours controlled and restrained action. And because clear, lasting decisions take time, his track record so far has been modest.
This is particularly evident in personnel decisions within the Curia: numerous top positions are awaiting new appointments – while the current officeholders await retirement. Finding suitable candidates appears to be difficult…finding candidates willing to actually assume the office is even more difficult.
Far from retirement
As Pope, Leo XIV himself is far from retirement. The papacy is a lifelong commitment, even though the possibility of resignation exists. Moreover, he assumed office at the relatively young age of 69.
Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. After studying mathematics and philosophy, he joined the Augustinian Order at the age of 22 and – following various assignments in the USA and Peru – eventually became its worldwide leader, based in Rome. In 2014, he returned to Peru to lead the Diocese of Chiclayo. In 2023, Pope Francis brought him to Rome to head the department for bishops and elevated him to the rank of cardinal that same year. Prevost was elected Pope on May 8, 2025.
Pope Leo XIV stands at the entrance to the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, waving to the faithful.
However, the leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics does not spend all his time governing the global Church. In his private life, too, Leo XIV maintains his measured approach. By revitalising the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, he regularly carves out time for body and mind. There, he plays tennis and swims, and uses the time for quiet rituals such as reading and solving online word puzzles. The baseball fan also meets his family from the USA at the estate, which features extensive gardens.
A birthday at the library
Traditionally, he spends the night leading into Tuesday at the papal palace in the hilltop town. For his 70th birthday last year, there was pizza and cake, congratulatory banners from the faithful, and well wishes from heads of state and government leaders around the world. Otherwise, the Pope simply went about his official duties. This year on his birthday he visited the Vatican Apostolic Library and announced plans for the construction of a new building to be used by the library and the Vatican archives.
In any case, for churchmen, the name day – rather than the birthday – is the more significant occasion for celebration. This is especially true for popes: their name day is an official holiday in the Vatican. For Leo XIV, this falls on September 17, the feast day of Saint Robert Bellarmine (1542–1621). Even on such days, Leo XIV remains true to his rather modest and reserved nature – and does not turn into a party animal.
Fr Joseph Lam is Parish Priest at Baulkham Hills Parish, and is the author of Augustine, Benedict XVI, Francis and Leo XVI: Theological Affinity, and Saint Augustine on Listening, Humility and Unity: The Spiritual Root of Pope Leo XIV.
