Pope Leo XIV Honors Pope Francis on 1st Death Anniversary

Pope Leo XIV spoke about Pope Francis's message of mercy and fraternity on the first anniversary of his death, April 21, 2025. This message is a key part of the Church's focus.
By Newsroom | Religion, Vatican City |

Pope Leo XIV has marked the first anniversary of the passing of Pope Francis, offering tribute aboard his papal flight from Angola to Equatorial Guinea. The current pontiff remembered Francis for his emphasis on universal fraternity, a message that aimed to foster "authentic respect for all men and all women," and his consistent advocacy for "being brothers and sisters."

Pope Leo XIV specifically highlighted Pope Francis's enduring message of mercy, recalling its prominence from his first Angelus address and a subsequent homily on the woman caught in adultery. This theme of mercy, he stated, was intended by Francis to be shared "with the whole Church," echoing the sentiment of an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the "great gift of Francis’ life to the whole Church and to the whole world," and offered a prayer for his predecessor to be "enjoying the Lord’s mercy."

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The anniversary, April 21, 2025, was also marked by various events in Rome, including the release of commemorative books detailing Francis's life and thoughts, and a Mass held at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Francis is interred. Francis, who died on Easter Monday of last year, was known for his simpler lifestyle, choosing to reside in a Vatican hotel rather than the papal apartments. He also initiated reforms within the Church that drew criticism from some conservative factions.

Pope Francis had played a role in the ascent of Pope Leo XIV, originally known as Robert Francis Prevost. Francis elevated Prevost to bishop and later appointed him to lead the Dicastery for Bishops, a position that provided him with significant Vatican experience and connections. Francis's death occurred on April 21, 2025, following a stroke, a day after delivering his final Easter Sunday blessing.

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The tributes from Pope Leo XIV underscore a continued focus on themes of mercy and fraternity within the papacy, as the Church navigates the legacy of Pope Francis and the ongoing pastoral work under his successor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Pope Leo XIV say about Pope Francis on the first death anniversary?
Pope Leo XIV remembered Pope Francis's message of universal fraternity and mercy during his flight from Angola to Equatorial Guinea on April 21, 2025. He called Francis a great gift to the Church and the world.
Q: When was Pope Francis's first death anniversary?
Pope Francis's first death anniversary was on April 21, 2025. He died on Easter Monday of the previous year.
Q: What were Pope Francis's key messages that Pope Leo XIV highlighted?
Pope Leo XIV highlighted Pope Francis's emphasis on universal fraternity, authentic respect for all people, and mercy. He recalled Francis's first Angelus address and his message about the woman caught in adultery.
Q: How did Pope Leo XIV become Pope?
Pope Francis played a role in Pope Leo XIV's (Robert Francis Prevost) rise. Francis made him a bishop and appointed him to lead the Dicastery for Bishops before his own death.