Brian Burch, the newly appointed US ambassador to the Vatican, brought a smile to Pope Leo XIV's face today by presenting him with a birthday cake during the credential ceremony. "Portillo's sent this for you," Burch said.

"And you brought it," Pope Leo XIV replied.

The cake, decorated with "Happy Birthday Pope Leo XIV" written in red, came from Portillo's, a Chicago restaurant chain known for its hot dogs, Italian beef, and ribs. Accompanying the cake were handmade cards celebrating the pope's 70th birthday.

Pope Leo XIV and Ambassador Burch later met privately in the Apostolic Palace library. The US Embassy to the Vatican described the private meeting as "warm and constructive." They discussed several global challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.

They also discussed the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a close ally of former US President Donald Trump.

"Pope Leo XIV stressed that political differences cannot be resolved through violence, and he is praying for Kirk's wife and children," the US embassy stated. "The ambassador described the meeting as very friendly, like talking to a friend from Chicago."

Burch presents his credentials to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on 13/9. Photo: NCR

Burch presents his credentials to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on 13/9. Photo: NCR

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, was born on 14/9/1955, in Chicago, Illinois. Before becoming pope in May, he spent much of his career as a missionary in South America. He was the bishop of the Chiclayo diocese in northwestern Peru from 2015 to 2023. In addition to his American citizenship, he also holds Peruvian citizenship, having been naturalized in 2015.

Hong Hanh (According to Reuters, NCR)