Pope Leo XIV pays tribute to Pope Francis on first anniversary of his death

On the first anniversary of the passing of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt message remembering his predecessor as a devoted shepherd who left a lasting spiritual impact on the Catholic Church and believers around the world. The message was addressed to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and was read publicly during a commemorative Mass held at the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major, where Pope Francis is buried according to his wishes.

Pope Leo XIV reflected on the continued presence of Pope Francis in the memory of the global Church, stating that his influence remains vivid and deeply felt. He described the late pontiff as a faithful disciple of the Lord who remained committed to his baptism and episcopal mission until the end of his life. The tribute highlighted Pope Francis’ lifelong dedication to service, humility and pastoral care, which shaped his leadership and inspired millions of Catholics worldwide.

The commemorative Mass brought together church leaders and faithful attendees who gathered to honour the legacy of Pope Francis. Cardinal Re read Pope Leo XIV’s message during the ceremony, underscoring the spiritual connection between the current pontiff and his predecessor. The service focused on remembrance, gratitude and reflection on the late Pope’s contributions to the Church, particularly his emphasis on compassion, outreach and social justice.

Pope Leo XIV also acknowledged his physical absence from Rome due to his ongoing Apostolic Journey to Africa, which has taken him across four nations over 11 days. Despite being abroad, he reassured those present of his spiritual closeness and unity in prayer. His message conveyed a sense of continuity within the Church leadership, linking his current mission with the legacy of Pope Francis and the broader pastoral direction of the Vatican.

The tribute reinforced the enduring influence of Pope Francis within the Catholic community and highlighted the emotional and spiritual significance of the anniversary. As the Church reflects on his life and ministry, Pope Leo XIV’s message served as a reminder of the shared values and mission that connect successive pontificates, focusing on faith, service and commitment to the global Catholic community.