One year in, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes pastoral and ecological priorities

cultureMay 9, 202617674

Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV marked his one-year anniversary by prioritizing pastoral outreach and advancing Pope Francis' ecological agenda. Church leaders across Africa highlighted his focus on pastoral ministry and environmental stewardship during the first year. He clashed with U.S. figures, including verbal sparring with former President Donald Trump over immigration policy and the war in Iran. That mix of pastoral emphasis and ecological activism has prompted Catholic organizations to push Congress to protect food aid and nutrition programs, showing his influence on humanitarian and U.S. policy debates.

James Martin, SJ

@jamesmartinsj.bsky.social

One year ago today, the Holy Spirit gave us the gift of Pope Leo XIV. Let us all pray today that the Holy Father will continue to be guided by that same Holy Spirit. Ad multos annos!

29245d ago

Aprile5293

When Francis died I was so afraid the Church would go backwards and listen to the RW bishops, among others, but the Cardinals rose to the times and picked the perfect person for what is happening now. We are very lucky to have him as our Pope.

The Atlantic

@theatlantic.com

Many American conservatives have criticized Pope Leo for his comments on immigration policy and the war in Iran—but his positions are consistent with the Church’s pro-life principles, Luis Parrales argues:

15445d ago

Truffle Lady8

Any Christian who is pro war and anti human rights isn’t really much of a Christian. Not sure why that needs to be said.

Big Crunch. Art2

It’s baffling that an article pointing out that the Pope,of all people is acting on the principles of Christianity

Christopher Hale

@christopherjhale.bsky.social

I write not just to chronicle the pope’s actions, but to rally all of us to recognize what’s happening and to take part in it. In my own small way, I want to walk with Pope Leo on this journey — to help redeem the highest values of our Church and our nation, to help transform our politics.

5445d ago

Chicago Sun-Times

@chicago.suntimes.com

Dozens attended Friday Mass at Holy Name Cathedral for a celebration marking one year since Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV was elected to the papacy. Churchgoers were greeted by a Pope Leo cardboard cutout inside the cathedral’s front doors.

3945d ago

Tara

@taradaneese.bsky.social

Ok, this week I found out that next school year I will be the school librarian at my kids’ Catholic school. And today I read these quotes from Pope Leo. I am going to post these all over my new library!

3345d ago

Wikimedia Foundation

@wikimediafoundation.org

Some moments bring the world to the same page. One year ago today, the Wikipedia article about newly-elected Pope Leo XIV received over 7.5 million views in a single day. It became the most visited Wikipedia article in a single day that was not directly tied to the subject’s death. #Wikipedia25

Portrait of Pope Leo XIV with text noting that his Wikipedia page set a record for most views in a single day.

2344d ago

Cheryl Lynn Eaton

@cheryllynneaton.bsky.social

The three people I really wish he would meet with though? Pope Leo, Zelenskyy, and Lula. I know Obama and Lula would have a good ol' conversation!

2345d ago

Bridget O’Brien

@bridgetemob.bsky.social

For the one-year anniversary of Leo’s pontificate, here are the prayer cards we made for his election (prayer by me).

Prayer for the Pontificate of
POPE LEO XIV

Loving God, you have called a son of Chicago to serve your Church as shepherd and as Pope.

Through Pope Leo XIV, you call us to unite in Christ's disarmed and disarming peace and to build bridges through dialogue and encounter.
Guide and strengthen him to promote unity and communion in the Church and the world.

Through Pope Leo, you call us to walk forward without fear, hand in hand with you and with one another. Teach us to walk together in kinship.

Through Pope Leo, you call us to look for ways to be a Church that is open and welcoming to all.
Help us live the radical inclusivity of your love.

Through Pope Leo, you call us to listen, to disarm our words, and to be close to those who suffer.
Through his ministry and teaching, inspire us to heal the world.

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us. Amen.

1645d ago

Ben (Contemplative in the Mud)3

I see what you're doing ;) bsky.app/profile/brid...

Anna Lo2

The Son of Chicago really caught me off guard lol

Jeffrey Winfield 💙 🌈 🫂 🫘 🏳️‍🌈

@maverickhammed.bsky.social

Our new pope has shown a boldness that few anticipated. Pope Leo is mounting a moral confrontation with the empire of lies in our world, the rampant disinformation, scapegoating & relativism that threaten both the global Church & Western democracy. @christopherjhale.bsky.social #PopeLeoXIV #Pontifex

445d ago

CVJ

@enuffsaysv.bsky.social

Pope Leo Rejects Trump’s Nuclear Claims and Tells His Critics To Speak ‘Truthfully’ TIME: apple.news/AXpMexL_STHC... 👏👏👏👏👏got a lot of respect for this pope

445d ago

David Darmofal

@daviddarmofal.bsky.social

Americans hail Pope Leo XIV as ‘breath of fresh air’ one year in, as Trump clashes linger www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...

744d ago

Marie Coronel

@mariecoronelsd.bsky.social

One year ago, Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American who served as a missionary & bishop in Peru was elected Pope Leo XIV. Upon his election, the 1st Augustinian pope called himself a ‘son of St. Augustine,’ pledged to ‘build bridges,’ & declared ‘God loves all of us…’ #PopeLeoXIV

545d ago

Dorcas E

@de24.bsky.social

Y’all red mad cause POPE Leo who understands little Black girls who understand their future. Stay aggravated.

545d ago

Ann

@lifeinthepnw.bsky.social

Now Obama needs to meet with another famous Chicagoan — Pope Leo!

545d ago

Noreen

@ducknor.bsky.social

Happy 1 year aanniversary #PopeLeo Although I wasn't raised Catholic (my dad was an alter boy), I thank you for your incredible leadership, intelligence, sanity & temper the rhetoric of the demented pedophile residing in the WH. I highly respect your position. Say extra prayers for Americans. 🙏🇺🇲

345d ago

3 sources

mcall.comPope Leo XIV sought a pastoral role in his first year, but verbal sparring with Trump intervened ncronline.orgOne year in, Pope Leo forges ahead with Francis' ecological legacy wtkr.comOne year in: How Chicago's Pope Leo XIV has led the Catholic Church and challenged Washington

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One year in, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes pastoral and ecological priorities

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