Pope Leo XIV said there has been a "huge learning curve" in his first several months as the new pontiff, and declared that about some aspects of his role are akin to jumping "in on the deep end of the pool very quickly.

Pope Leo XIV waves from the popemobile as he arrives for the weekly General Audience in St. Peter's Square, in Vatican City, in May. The pontiff acknowledged a "huge learning curve" in remarks released Sunday, his 70th birthday. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI UPI

Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV said there has been a "huge learning curve" in his first several months as the new pontiff, and declared that about some aspects of his role are akin to jumping "in on the deep end of the pool very quickly," in remarks to released to coincide Sunday with his 70th birthday.

He also lamented the growing income gaps between the world's working class and company CEOs, pointing out that Elon Musk could soon become the globe's first trillionaire.

"If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we're in big trouble," the first American pope said in his comments released by the Vatican.

The interview was conducted over the summer of Elise Ann Allen, a correspondent for the Vatican news service, and the author of an upcoming biography on the pontiff. The remarks were published on Allen's website, the Crux, and in the Peruvian daily El Comerico.

Leo said he felt both American and Peruvian, noting his dual citizenship, and his 20 years of missionary work in Peru. He said his time there gave him a great appreciation of the church in Latin America and for Pope France's ministry, the first pope from South America.

Francis promoted Leo to the Vatican's top job in 2023, raising speculation that the then pope views Leo as a successor, though Leo said he felt unprepared for the responsibilities of the role.

"There's still a huge learning curve ahead of me," he said, adding that he felt confident as a pastor, but noted that the job of pontiff was that of a world leader, which was a challenge.

The excerpts of the interview were released Sunday as Leo celebrated his 70th birthday during the traditional noon blessing at the Vatican.

There were multiple, giant "Happy birthday" banners in multiple languages displayed by believers throughout St. Peter's Square. Groups of Peruvian believers, some donning traditional dance attire, celebrated.

"Dear friends, it seems you know today I have turned 70," Leo said amid choruses of cheers from onlookers. "I thank the Lord, my parents and all those who remembered me in their prayers."