Photo © Vatican Media

(ANS – Vatican City) – On May 8, 2026, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the first anniversary of his election to the Chair of Peter. One year after that historic date, Robert Prevost’s pontificate appears to be strongly defined by themes of peace, international diplomacy, and a pastoral mission focused on the world’s peripheries. This first anniversary concludes 12 intense months marked by apostolic journeys, diplomatic meetings, public addresses, and reforms within the Roman Curia.

The election of Robert Francis Prevost, the first American Pope in history, ushered in a new phase in the life of the Church. Born in Chicago but deeply connected to Peru, where he lived for more than 20 years as a missionary and bishop, Leo XIV presented himself from his very first appearance at the Loggia delle Benedizioni as a pontiff of peace. In his inaugural address, the word “peace” was repeated several times, foreshadowing what would become the central theme of his pontificate.

During his first year, the Pope repeatedly appealed for an end to war, condemning the violence of contemporary conflicts and pointing to dialogue as the only possible path forward. Alongside these public appeals, the Pontiff promoted a discreet yet constant diplomacy, which he himself described as “behind-the-scenes” work, aimed at facilitating mediation and opening negotiations.

In the face of criticism directed at his commitment to peace—rather than taking sides and blessing one faction or another—Leo XIV avoided political confrontation, repeatedly reaffirming his identity as a “shepherd,” not a politician, called exclusively to proclaim the Gospel.

Among the key moments of his first year were several major international trips. The most demanding was his African tour—which he said he wanted to make his first—covering Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. At each stop, the Pontiff addressed specific issues: religious coexistence in Algeria, the tragedy of the separatist war in Cameroon, economic inequality in Angola, and the dignity of prisoners in Equatorial Guinea. Everywhere, Leo XIV emphasized the need for peace, social justice, the protection of human rights, and the empowerment of young Africans, whom he described as a crucial resource for the continent’s future.

Another symbolically significant journey was his trip to Turkey and Lebanon, undertaken in accordance with the wish expressed by Pope Francis. In Nicaea, the Pontiff participated in celebrations marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council held there, strengthening ecumenical dialogue with Patriarch Bartholomew. In Lebanon, meanwhile, he encountered a population scarred by economic crisis, conflict, and emigration, offering images destined to become emblematic of his pontificate: silent prayer before the devastated port of Beirut and an embrace with thousands of young people in Bkerké.

We should also remember the stop in the Principality of Monaco—the first visit there by a Pontiff. In this tiny state and international center of luxury and prosperity, the Holy Father bore witness to the Good Shepherd who neglects none of his flock—neither the wounded nor the sick, neither the strong nor the prosperous (Ezekiel 34:16)—while uncompromisingly emphasizing the need for a fair distribution of wealth.

The many events that marked the Holy Year of Hope, opened by Francis and concluded by Leo XIV in January 2026, were also significant. Each occasion served to show closeness and bring hope and mercy to different social groups. The highlight was the Youth Jubilee, which brought more than one million young people to Rome. In his catecheses and public meetings, the Pope encouraged younger generations to overcome superficiality and digital isolation by building authentic relationships and directing their lives toward higher ideals and toward Christ.

In Leo XIV’s teaching, condemnation of rearmament and the arms trade has also emerged forcefully. On several occasions, the Pope described the spiral of violence as “diabolical,” criticizing the arms race and policies based on fear. Peace, he repeated, cannot be built through domination by force, but only through justice, mutual trust, and dialogue.

Dialogue has, in fact, become one of the defining words of his pontificate—not only in international relations, but also within the Church itself. Leo XIV has addressed ecclesial debates concerning the liturgy, calling for an end to polarization and encouraging inclusive solutions for the faithful attached to the traditional rite, in accordance with conciliar guidelines.

The first Consistory of January 2026, convened to launch a process grounded in collegiality, listening, and dialogue, also fits within this framework. Cardinals were invited to reflect especially on the themes of synodality and the evangelizing mission, in continuity with the legacy of Pope Francis.

The Pontiff has also spoken frequently about migration. Leo XIV used particularly strong language to denounce the treatment of migrants, who, in his view, are often reduced to “trash” or treated “like animals.”

Attention to the poor and marginalized was reaffirmed in his first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te, dedicated to service to the poor and the denunciation of economic and social injustice. In the document, the Pope addresses issues such as an economy that kills, violence against women, malnutrition, and the educational crisis, calling for profound transformation of the structures that generate exclusion.

Alongside the social dimension of his ministry, Leo XIV has continued the ecumenical journey, seeking to overcome divisions among Christians—which he himself described as “scandalous”—as well as promoting care for Creation, understood as an act of justice toward peoples and respect for God the Creator.

The first year of his pontificate has also been marked by a series of reforms and appointments within the Roman Curia, as well as changes to Vatican institutions and measures aimed at achieving greater shared responsibility in the economic management of the Holy See.

After 12 months, several guiding principles of the pontificate are already emerging clearly: the centrality of the evangelical mission, diplomacy in the service of peace, attention to the peripheries and the poor, and dialogue both within and outside the Church. The coming years, with new international journeys and a forthcoming encyclical, will further define the profile of a Pope who has chosen to present himself first and foremost as the “shepherd of the world.”