VATICAN CITY – Dr. Buzz Aldrin, the legendary Apollo 11 astronaut, and his wife Anca Faur, received a significant blessing from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on July 20, 2025, marking the 56th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. Aldrin conveyed his gratitude for the "highest blessing" in a social media post, stating, "Anca and I were grateful and touched to receive the highest blessing today, from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV on the 56th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. What an honor! We prayed for good health, long life, and prosperity for all humankind."
The interaction occurred as the world commemorated the momentous achievement of humanity's first lunar landing, a mission in which Aldrin, alongside Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins, played a pivotal role. Aldrin is the last surviving member of the Apollo 11 crew.
Pope Leo XIV, who was elected to the papacy in May 2025 as the first American pontiff, also acknowledged the conversation. According to reports, the Pope marked the anniversary with a visit to the Vatican astronomical observatory in Castel Gandolfo before speaking with Aldrin. Pope Leo XIV later posted on his X account, "This evening, 56 years after the Apollo 11 moon landing, I spoke with the astronaut Buzz Aldrin."
The exchange between the spiritual leader and the space pioneer underscores a continuing connection between the Vatican and space exploration. This interaction echoes a historical precedent set by Pope Paul VI, who sent a radio message to the Apollo 11 astronauts after their moonwalk in 1969, hailing them as "conquerors of the Moon." The prayers offered by Aldrin and Pope Leo XIV for global well-being reflect a shared hope for humanity's future.