Pope Leo XIV Remembers Pope Francis on First Anniversary of His Death

On April 21, 2026, Pope Leo XIV honored his predecessor, Pope Francis, on the first anniversary of his death. Speaking aboard the papal flight from Angola to Equatorial Guinea, Leo reflected on Francis's significant contributions to the Catholic Church and his embodiment of mercy and closeness to the marginalized. "He gave so much to the Church with his life, his testimony, his words, and his gestures," Leo stated, emphasizing Francis's dedication to the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.

Pope Leo recalls Francis’ legacy of generosity, mercy for Church and worldLeo recalls Francis’s mercy and love for the poor on anniversary of deathNational Catholic ReporterPope Leo XIV honors Pope Francis on death anniversary, recalling his mercy and closeness to ‘the little ones’

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. His papacy, which began on March 13, 2013, was marked by efforts to reform the Church and promote a message of fraternity and mercy, often attracting criticism from conservative factions within the Church. Leo noted that Francis's legacy includes a strong emphasis on universal fraternity, as articulated in his encyclical "Fratelli Tutti," which advocates for respect and brotherhood among all people.

Pope Leo recalls Francis’ legacy of generosity, mercy for Church and world

In his tribute, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the "great gift of Francis' life to the Church and the whole world," and prayed that Francis was enjoying the mercy of the Lord. He highlighted the late pope's commitment to mercy, recalling how Francis invited the Church to participate in the "Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy," a significant event during his papacy.

Pope Leo recalls Francis’ legacy of generosity, mercy for Church and worldLeo recalls Francis’s mercy and love for the poor on anniversary of deathPope Leo XIV honors Pope Francis on death anniversary, recalling his mercy and closeness to ‘the little ones’The Straits Times

Additionally, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid homage to Francis, noting his ability to communicate profound messages of peace and responsibility toward the vulnerable. She remarked, "He remains a figure who made a deep mark on our time, and whose message continues to be relevant."

Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA)

Despite the tributes, Pope Leo has faced criticism from figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently expressed discontent with Leo's outspoken criticism of the Iran war. Trump had previously clashed with Francis over immigration policies, calling the pope "disgraceful" after Francis suggested that Trump's hardline stance was un-Christian.

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Pope Leo's visit to Equatorial Guinea, which runs from April 21 to 23, marks the final leg of his 11-day apostolic journey across Africa. The visit coincides with the 170th anniversary of evangelization in the country, where approximately 75% of the 1.67 million population identifies as Catholic. Leo's itinerary includes visits to a psychiatric hospital, a prison, and a memorial for victims of a 2021 military base explosion.

Pope Leo XIV honors Pope Francis on death anniversary, recalling his mercy and closeness to ‘the little ones’

• “On this first anniversary of his death, I would like to remember Pope Francis, who left so much, who gave so much to the Church through his life, his witness, his words, and his gestures. He did so by truly living closeness to the poorest, to the least, to the sick, to children, and to the elderly.” — Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo recalls Francis’ legacy of generosity, mercy for Church and world

• “We pray that he is already enjoying the mercy of the Lord and we thank the Lord for the great gift of Francis’ life to the whole Church and to the whole world,” — Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV honors Pope Francis on death anniversary, recalling his mercy and closeness to ‘the little ones’

• “On the first anniversary of the birth into heaven of our dear #PopeFrancis, his words and actions remain written in our hearts,” — Pope Leo XIV

Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA)

Pope Leo XIV's reflections on Pope Francis serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of Francis's teachings and the ongoing mission of the Catholic Church to promote mercy and fraternity in a complex world.

Pope Leo recalls Francis’ legacy of generosity, mercy for Church and worldNational Catholic ReporterLeo recalls Francis’s mercy and love for the poor on anniversary of deathPope Leo XIV honors Pope Francis on death anniversary, recalling his mercy and closeness to ‘the little ones’