Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity and Mercy as He Marks First Anniversary of Pope Francis’ Death

(Pope Leo XIV. Photo Credit: NPR)

Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis a year ago, has urged the Catholic world to continue the mission of mercy and brotherhood that characterized the previous pope.

Pope Leo honored what he called the late Pope’s “birth into heaven” in a tribute posted on X on Tuesday.

He wrote, “His words and deeds remain written in our hearts on the first anniversary of our dear #PopeFrancis’ birth into heaven.” 

“We carry on his legacy by always proclaiming the joy of the Gospel, announcing God’s mercy, and promoting fraternity among all men and women.”

NGGOSSIPS reports that Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

Following Francis’ passing, Robert Francis Prevost, the first American to be elected to the papacy, was chosen as his successor in May 2025, taking the name Leo XIV.