It happens every time someone mentions the Vatican in a news cycle. People rush to Google to ask one simple thing: how old is the current pope? Usually, the answer is a quick number and a birthdate, but right now, things are a bit different. We aren't talking about Jorge Bergoglio anymore.
If you’re still looking for Pope Francis, you should know that his era ended in early 2025. Today, the man in the white cassock is Pope Leo XIV. He’s the first American to ever hold the keys to St. Peter’s, and honestly, his age is a major part of why the Church is buzzing.
The Age of Pope Leo XIV: A New Generation at the Vatican
So, let's get to the numbers. As of January 2026, Pope Leo XIV is 70 years old.
He was born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. If you do the math, he just hit that 70-mark last September. For a Pope, that’s actually pretty young. Think about it: Pope Francis was 76 when he started. Benedict XVI was 78. When Leo XIV was elected in May 2025, he was just 69, making him the youngest man to take the job since John Paul II back in the 70s.
Why does this matter? Well, it changes the energy.
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You’ve probably seen the videos of him. He isn't using a wheelchair as much as his predecessor did toward the end. He’s walking. He’s traveling. He just got back from a whirlwind trip to Turkey and Lebanon. At 70, he’s in that "sweet spot" where he has the gray-haired wisdom the Cardinals want, but he can still handle a 12-hour flight without needing a week to recover.
A Quick Breakdown of the Current Pope’s Timeline
- Birth Date: September 14, 1955 (Chicago, Illinois).
- Current Age: 70 years old.
- Election Date: May 8, 2025.
- Age at Election: 69.
Why People Are Still Searching for Pope Francis
It's totally normal to be confused. Pope Francis was the face of the Catholic Church for over a decade. He was a global icon. But he passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
He had a rough start to 2025, battling severe pneumonia. Even though he managed to open the Holy Door for the Jubilee year, he was visibly frail. When he died on Easter Monday, it sparked a Conclave that moved surprisingly fast. Most Vatican insiders, like the folks over at The Pillar or Crux, weren't necessarily betting on a Chicagoan, but the Cardinals clearly wanted someone with a bit more "gas in the tank" to navigate the 2020s.
Leo XIV brings a different vibe. He’s an Augustinian. He spent years as a missionary in Peru. He’s got a degree in Mathematics from Villanova. Basically, he’s a bit of a nerd who also knows how to run a global organization.
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What 70 Means for the Future of the Church
In most jobs, 70 is when you’re deep into retirement or at least thinking about it. In the papacy, it’s like being a "rising star."
Because he is 70 years old, Leo XIV could realistically lead the Church for the next 15 to 20 years. That's a long time to implement changes. He’s already signaled that he’s interested in reorganizing the Roman Curia—that’s the Vatican’s administrative arm—to make it less of a "court" and more of a service center.
There’s also his health. Unlike Francis, who had part of a lung removed as a young man, Leo XIV (Prevost) hasn't had major public health scares yet. He seems to have the stamina for the "Jubilee of 2025" events that he inherited. He’s been working through a massive calendar of audiences and Masses without the frequent cancellations we saw in previous years.
The "Young Pope" Narrative
While 70 isn't "young" by any normal standard, in the context of the Holy See, it's a breath of fresh air.
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Most people don't realize that the average age of a newly elected Pope has been creeping up for decades. By picking a 69-year-old, the College of Cardinals made a deliberate choice for stability. They didn't want another transition in five years. They wanted a long-term CEO.
Being an American-born Pope also brings a specific kind of scrutiny. People wonder if he’s too "Western" or if his Chicago roots will influence his politics. But having spent years in Peru and Rome, he’s sort of a cultural chameleon. He speaks Spanish fluently, which helps him connect with the massive Catholic populations in Latin America.
Actionable Next Steps to Stay Informed
If you want to keep tabs on how the Pope is handling the job at 70, here is the best way to do it:
- Follow the Vatican’s Official Bulletin: The Sala Stampa (Holy See Press Office) posts his daily schedule. If he’s meeting world leaders, it’ll be there.
- Check the 2026 Travel Schedule: He has already hinted at a trip to Algeria. Watching how he handles high-heat or high-altitude environments is the best way to gauge his physical health.
- Watch the Wednesday Audiences: These are usually livestreamed on YouTube. It’s the easiest way to see his energy levels and how he interacts with the crowds in St. Peter’s Square.
The "how old is the current pope" question usually pops up when people see a headline about health or a big speech. Right now, the answer is a solid 70, and by all accounts, he’s just getting started.