The first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis was commemorated globally on April 21 with prayers, Masses, and tributes reflecting on his 12-year pontificate of humility and service.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. at Casa Santa Marta, aged 88.
One year later, his successor, Pope Leo XIV, led the world in remembrance. While on a flight from Angola to Equatorial Guinea, Leo XIV told journalists that Francis was a shepherd close to the “poorest, the least, the sick, children, and the elderly,” describing a life that “reached to the ends of the earth.”
In Rome, the main site of pilgrimage was the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Francis is buried.
Per his wishes, his remains were laid to rest at this historic Marian shrine, a site vital to his spiritual life and his deep devotion to the icon of Salus Populi Romani.
During a commemorative Mass at the Basilica, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a message on behalf of Pope Leo.
“Death is not a wall, but a door that opens wide onto the Mercy that Pope Francis tirelessly proclaimed,” he said.
Leo XIV further noted that Francis was a missionary who proclaimed the Gospel to everyone.
On X, the Pope added, “On the first anniversary of the birth into heaven of our dear Pope Francis, his words and actions remain written in our hearts. We carry on his legacy by always proclaiming the joy of the Gospel.”
To mark the occasion, Cardinal Re unveiled a Latin commemorative plaque in the chapel of the Salus Populi Romani icon, recording the 126 visits Francis made to the image during his papacy.
The Vatican also released a 26-minute documentary titled Todos, Todos, Todos, highlighting his vision of a “Church poor and for the poor.”
Additionally, a private screening was held for Martin Scorsese’s film, Aldeas, The Final Dream of Pope Francis, which captures the late pontiff’s final testimony.
Global tributes mirrored the Roman rites.
In Argentina, the Pope’s native country, the faithful marched in a caravan through his birthplace, Buenos Aires.
In London, a special “Mass for the Care of Creation” was held at Farm Street Church to honor his environmental legacy.
Throughout the day, the global refrain remained focused on preserving the spiritual legacy of the man who redefined the papacy through the lens of mercy.