Editorial
Pope Leo’s words in first year show a shepherd after the heart of Christ
Today—May 8—marks the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election as our universal shepherd and bishop of Rome.
“Habemus papum” (“We have a pope”) were words that thrilled those in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican and the millions watching on TV that day. And the pope’s first words—“Peace be with all of you!”—demonstrated a simple yet heartfelt message that resonated with everyone who heard them.
Pope Leo’s efforts to foster unity among the faithful has been a cornerstone of his first year of ministry as bishop of Rome. The priority he places on unity is expressed in his episcopal motto: “In illo Uno unum” (“In the One Christ, we are one”).
Turning the clock back 12 months, we see a pope who, in our chaotic world, seeks that oneness.
“Brothers and sisters, I would like that our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world,” the pope said at the Mass for the inauguration of his petrine ministry on May 18, 2025.
We see a man of deep faith, like his predecessors, who spreads a message of peace, hope and love across the globe.
At his core, Pope Leo is a shepherd with a mission.
One example is his recent journey to Africa.
During his general audience at the Vatican on April 29, the pope said he wanted his trip to highlight the serious injustices continuing there and propose a message of peace to a world marred by conflict and violations of international law.
“At the same time, the apostolic journey gave people in Africa a chance to make their voices heard and to express the joy of being God’s people,” the Holy Father said of his 11-day trip to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
According to OSV News, Pope Leo said during his audience that his time there “was meant to offer the world a message of peace at a moment marked by conflicts and frequent violations of international law.
“Along with the call for peace, I also denounced the grave injustices that exist in those countries that are so rich in natural resources, urging the international community to overcome neo-colonial attitudes and engage in authentic collaboration,” he said.
The journey to Africa also gave Pope Leo an opportunity to build bridges with other faith traditions, which popes in recent times have taken to heart.
In Algeria, a predominantly Muslim country, Pope Leo said he wanted to “show the world that it is possible to live together as brothers and sisters, even of different religions, when we recognize ourselves as children of the same merciful Father.”
But the northern African country also had a strong spiritual connection for the Holy Father because it was the birthplace of his “spiritual father,”
St. Augustine, and by “revisiting the roots of my spiritual identity,” it offered a way to highlight his legacy.
“[St. Augustine] is a master in the search for God and for truth,” Pope Leo said, “a testimony that is more important than ever today for Christians and for every person.”
We also see a universal shepherd who cares about the least among us.
“On the wounded faces of the poor, we see the suffering of the innocent and, therefore, the suffering of Christ himself,” Pope Leo wrote in his first apostolic exhortation “Dilexi Te” (“I have loved you”), promulgated
on Oct. 9, 2025.
The 15,000 teenagers and those in attendance at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis last November surely remember the words of wisdom the Holy Father shared about the sacrament of reconciliation in a digital encounter on Nov. 21, 2025: “When we honestly confess our sins and accept our penance, the priest gives absolution, and we know with certainty that we are forgiven. Do not focus only on your sins. Look to Jesus, trust his mercy and go to him with confidence; he will always welcome you home.”
The words are simple, the messages profound. May we continue to pray for Pope Leo XIV, please God, that he may continue to shepherd after the heart of Christ.
—Mike Krokos