how old was the pope
The current pope, Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost), was born on 14 September 1955, so in 2026 he is 70 years old.
Quick Scoop: How old was the pope?
If you’re asking about the current pope in 2026, that’s Pope Leo XIV, who:
- Was born on 14 September 1955.
- Was elected pope on 8 May 2025.
- Was 69 years old at the time of his election.
- Is 70 years old as of 2026.
If you meant the previous pope:
- Pope Francis was born on 17 December 1936 and died on 21 April 2025, so he was 88 when he died and about 76 when he was elected in 2013.
Mini FAQ
- How old was the pope when he was chosen?
Pope Leo XIV was 69 at election, which commentators describe as an “ideal” age: old enough to be experienced, young enough to serve for many years.
- Is he younger than recent popes?
Yes. Benedict XVI and Francis were 78 and 76 at election, both older than Leo XIV.
Small comparison table
| Pope | Birth date | Age at election | Age in 2026 / at death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leo XIV | 14 Sep 1955 | [3]69 (elected 8 May 2025) | [7][1][3]70 in 2026 | [5][3]
| Francis | 17 Dec 1936 | [9]About 76 (elected 13 Mar 2013) | [9]88 at death on 21 Apr 2025 | [9]
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
