Pope Leo XIV

When Robert Francis Prevost stepped onto the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica one year ago, his first speech was, in ways that would only become clear over the year that followed, a preview of what was to come.

Ahead of the first anniversary of his election to the chair of St. Peter, it was announced that Pope Leo XIV is officially expected to visit France in late September, the French bishops' conference confirmed May 6.

The Vatican released the official schedule for Pope Leo XIV's first apostolic visit to Spain, a seven-day trip.

The Catholic Church is the guardian of hope, whose members are called to speak clearly against all evil and in defence of human life, Pope Leo XIV said.

Roughly two months before celebrating a year on the throne of Peter, Pope Leo XIV became one of the most quoted global leaders on the planet.

Since voting in the conclave that elevated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to the papacy on May 8, 2025, Cardinal Frank Leo of Toronto has cherished the opportunities accorded him over the past year to interact with Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV wanted his journey to Africa to highlight the serious injustices continuing there and propose a message of peace to a world marred by conflict and violations of international law.

In the final leg of his apostolic journey to Africa, Pope Leo XIV struck a more measured tone, delivering a message to the faithful while navigating one of the continent’s most politically sensitive environments.

Although the path to full communion has become "more difficult to discern," Catholics and Anglicans must continue on the path of dialogue and "proclaim Christ to the world," Pope Leo XIV said in his first meeting with Anglican Archbishop Sarah Mullally of Canterbury.

Priests are called each day to leave the doors of the Church open to a "suffering humanity" in need and not "be an obstacle to those who wish to enter," Pope Leo XIV told 10 deacons just before ordaining them to the priesthood.