Overview
- Pope Leo XIV, speaking to reporters Tuesday on a flight from Angola to Equatorial Guinea, praised Francis’ preaching on God’s mercy and his closeness to the poor.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re read Leo’s message at a Mass in Rome’s St. Mary Major, where Francis is buried, quoting the line that death is a door opening onto God’s mercy.
- Leo delivered his tribute during the final leg of an 11‑day, four‑nation visit to Africa that includes Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
- Rome marked the anniversary with new books recalling Francis’ life and an evening liturgy at St. Mary Major.
- Reports also note that Francis had elevated Robert Prevost, who was elected on May 8 as Pope Leo XIV and is the first U.S.-born pope, reinforcing themes of continuity in mission and style.