Trending Now - Pope Leo Honors Pope Francis' Legacy on Death Anniversary
WHO:
Vatican News - Pope Leo XIV expressed that he lamented being absent from Rome due to his 11-day Apostolic Journey to four African nations.
Vatican News - Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re
ABC News World - Pope Leo XIV
WHAT:
Vatican News - Pope Leo XIV stated, "Death is not a wall, but a door that opens wide onto the Mercy that Pope Francis tirelessly proclaimed."
Vatican News - Pope Leo noted that the fruits of Pope Francis' witness "touched the hearts of so many people, even to the ends of the earth."
Vatican News - Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his death.
Vatican News - Pope Leo described Pope Francis as a "devoted shepherd" who "touched so many hearts."
Vatican News - Pope Leo stated that Pope Francis "remained a disciple of the Lord, faithful to his Baptism and to his consecration in episcopal ministry, until the end."
Vatican News - Cardinal Re read Pope Leo's message during a Mass at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Pope Francis is buried.
Vatican News - Pope Leo referred to Pope Francis as a "missionary of mercy" who proclaimed the Gospel of mercy “to everyone, everyone, everyone.”
Vatican News - Pope Leo noted that Pope Francis' magisterium was lived as that of a "disciple-missionary."
Vatican News - Pope Leo emphasized that Pope Francis urged the Church "to be open to mission, a guardian of hope for the world."
WHERE:
Vatican News - The tribute took place at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, Italy.
WHEN:
Vatican News - Pope Leo recalled that Pope Francis was called to the Lord on April 21st, 2025, "at the heart of the Easter light."
Vatican News - The tribute occurred on April 21st, 2026, marking the first anniversary of Pope Francis' death, which was on April 21st, 2025.
WHY:
Vatican News - Pope Leo emphasized that Pope Francis "took up the legacy of the Second Vatican Council."
Vatican News - Pope Leo expressed appreciation for Pope Francis' legacy and his impact on the Church and the world.
HOW:
Vatican News - Pope Leo concluded his message by imploring the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, to help us be "tireless apostles of her divine Son and prophets of His merciful love."
Vatican News - Pope Leo sent a message to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, which was read during a commemorative Mass.
(UPDATED April 22, 2026 04:00 UTC)
Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow over being away from Rome during his 11-day Apostolic Journey to four African nations, reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Tuesdayst, 2025. In a heartfelt message, Pope Leo stated that "death is not a wall, but a door that opens wide onto the Mercy that Pope Francis tirelessly proclaimed," highlighting how Francis' witness touched countless hearts around the world. He concluded by urging the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, to guide us in becoming "tireless apostles of her divine Son and prophets of His merciful love."
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(UPDATED April 22, 2026 01:27 UTC)
on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking the first anniversary of his death. During the Mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re read a message from Pope Leo, who described Pope Francis as a "devoted shepherd" and a "missionary of mercy" that touched countless hearts and urged the Church to be a guardian of hope. Pope Leo emphasized that Pope Francis remained faithful to his mission until the end, leaving a lasting legacy on the Church and the world.