Pope Leo commemorated his predecessor, Francis, on the first anniversary of the former pontiff's death during remarks delivered aboard his flight to Equatorial Guinea on April 21. Speaking on the final leg of a four-nation tour of Africa, the current pope lauded Francis as the first pontiff to come from the Americas and credited him with having given the 1.4-billion-member Church "so much with his words and his witness."
Pope Leo noted that over a 12-year papacy Francis "promoted an authentic respect for all men and women... that we are all brothers and sisters," framing the late pope's ministry around a call to human fraternity. He added: "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 Church and the whole world."
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, died on the morning of April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. His death followed a serious episode of double pneumonia that he had survived. During his time as pope, he pursued reforms of the global Church that drew criticism from some conservative Catholics who feared he was diluting strict doctrinal teachings.
The late pope's public disagreements with political figures were noted as part of his legacy. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has recently criticized Pope Leo after the current pope spoke out on the Iran war, had also clashed with Francis during his pontificate. The two engaged in a public dispute in 2016 over Mr. Trump's proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall. After Francis described the hard-line anti-immigration policies as unchristian, Mr. Trump responded by calling the pope "disgraceful."
Francis was well known for preferring a modest lifestyle. He chose not to move into the ornate apartments reserved for the pope and instead lived at a Vatican hotel. His wishes extended to his burial: on April 26, 2025, he was interred in a simple, zinc-lined wooden coffin, as he had requested.
He became the first pope in more than 100 years to be buried outside the Vatican, selecting Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major as his final resting place. His tomb in the basilica is marked by a plain Latin inscription of his name, "Franciscus." The Basilica was scheduled to hold a Mass in his honour later that Tuesday.
Context and immediate reactions
Pope Leo's reflections while traveling underline the continued significance of Francis' papacy across religious and political lines. The remarks were made in transit as part of a pastoral visit to the African continent, and they reiterated an official note of gratitude for Francis' contributions to the Church and to global public life.
What remains clear from the anniversary observance is limited to the facts recorded: the date of death, the cause and preceding illness, the tenor of Francis' reforms and public disputes, his personal choices about residence and burial, and the rites planned in Rome. Further implications for Church policy or political relationships were not detailed in the remarks made aboard the flight.