Pope Leo XIV Blesses PM Modi on 75th Birthday

In a remarkable gesture of interfaith diplomacy, Pope Leo XIV extended special birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a papal audience at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The pontiff met with a delegation from the Indian Minorities Federation (IMF) and offered prayers for PM Modi’s long life and good health as India’s leader celebrated his 75th birthday.

Vatican Meeting Highlights India-Vatican Relations

During the significant meeting, Pope Leo XIV blessed a portrait of PM Modi presented by the IMF delegation. The delegation was led by prominent figures including Indian Parliamentarian Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament and former diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and IMF convener Professor Himani Sood. MP Sandhu also presented the Pope with a special book titled “Heart to Heart: Reverence of Saga,” which chronicles PM Modi’s meaningful relationship with India’s Sikh community.

Global Leaders Join Birthday Celebrations

The Pope’s wishes joined a chorus of international congratulations for PM Modi’s milestone birthday. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the Prime Minister’s leadership, particularly noting his dedication to launching women’s health initiatives even on his special day. “Happy 75th birthday, Prime Minister @narendramodi! I am impressed by your leadership in action,” he wrote on social media platform X.

Other world leaders who extended birthday greetings included Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan specifically wished PM Modi “continued good health and happiness, and ongoing success in advancing India’s progress.”

Responding to the overwhelming global response, PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of wishes from both domestic and international well-wishers, highlighting India’s growing diplomatic influence worldwide.