Pope Leo XIV Honors Predecessor on First Anniversary of Death

Pope Leo XIV marked the first anniversary of the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, with a message sent from abroad. The current pontiff is on an 11-day Apostolic Journey to four African nations and was not present in Rome for the commemorations.

The message was addressed to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, on April 21, 2026. Cardinal Re read the text during a memorial Mass held at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, the burial site of Pope Francis.

Key Themes from the Papal Message

In his written tribute, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the life and ministry of the late pope.

Pope Francis "remained a disciple of the Lord, faithful to his Baptism and to his consecration in episcopal ministry, until the end."

The message highlighted Pope Francis's role as a "missionary of mercy" who dedicated himself to proclaiming the Gospel of mercy. Pope Leo XIV noted that his predecessor served during a period of significant global change, offering what he described as a "courageous witness" to the world.

The legacy of the Second Vatican Council was another focal point, with Pope Leo XIV stating that Pope Francis took up its mantle by urging the Church to remain open to mission. The message also emphasized the deep devotion to the Virgin Mary that nourished Pope Francis throughout his life.

The message concluded by recalling that Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, and with an invocation imploring the assistance of the Virgin Mary.