In a gesture of spiritual diplomacy and global goodwill, Pope Leo XIV extended his blessings to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday. The event took place during the weekly Papal Audience at St Peter's Square in Vatican City, where thousands of pilgrims and visitors gathered.

During the Papal Audience, Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation from the Indian Minorities Federation (IMF), led by Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu, former diplomat and MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and IMF convener Prof Himani Sood. The Pope offered prayers for Prime Minister Modi's long life and continued good health, acknowledging his leadership and commitment to public service. In a symbolic gesture, the Pope blessed a portrait of PM Modi presented by the delegation. Attendees described the moment as deeply respectful and spiritually resonant.

MP Satnam Singh Sandhu gifted Pope Leo XIV a copy of 'Heart to Heart: Reverence of Saga', a biographical tribute that explores PM Modi's relationship with the Sikh community. The book highlights PM Modi's efforts to promote interfaith harmony and cultural respect, aligning with the Pope's calls for peace and unity across religious boundaries.

The Vatican's acknowledgment of PM Modi's birthday occurs amidst increasing engagement between India and the Holy See. Earlier in the year, PM Modi conveyed his greetings to Pope Leo XIV, praising his leadership in advancing global peace, solidarity, and service.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, has emphasized inclusive dialogue and humanitarian outreach since his appointment in May 2025.

This blessing from Pope Leo XIV builds upon previous interactions between Indian leadership and the Vatican. Notably, Prime Minister Modi met Pope Francis, the predecessor of Pope Leo XIV, on two occasions. The first meeting took place in October 2021 during Modi's visit to Italy for the G20 Summit. The second meeting occurred on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024. During these meetings, the leaders discussed a range of global issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and poverty alleviation. PM Modi also extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit India.

Formal bilateral relations between India and the Holy See date back to June 12, 1948. India accredits its embassy in Vienna, Austria, to the Holy See, while the Holy See has a nunciature in New Delhi. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli has been the Apostolic Nuncio to India since 2021, and Shambhu S. Kumaran, India's ambassador to Austria, has been the ambassador to the Holy See since 2024.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, visited India in July 2025 to strengthen the bonds of friendship and collaboration between the Holy See and India.

Wishes for PM Modi's 75th birthday have poured in from across the world. The WHO chief extended his best wishes and commended PM Modi's leadership. Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni also conveyed their greetings. UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan wished PM Modi health, happiness, and success in advancing India's progress.