Pope Leo XIV marked his first year as pontiff on Friday, a milestone overshadowed by his increasingly public sparring with US President Donald Trump. The pope, who has sought to emphasise his role as a pastor, found himself thrust onto the global stage after repeated criticisms from Trump. The tensions strained US-Holy See relations, though a visit from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the eve of the anniversary aimed at mending fences.
Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, who launched a flurry of reforms early in his papacy, Leo has taken a more measured approach. He has made several significant decisions, including the cancellation of Francis's World Day of Children initiative in April and the dissolution of a Holy See fundraising commission created under questionable circumstances in 2025. Leo also announced a new committee to develop fundraising structures.
Several key appointments loom. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, aged 77, is past the normal retirement age for bishops, and Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez turns 75 in December, giving Leo opportunities to shape the US hierarchy. At the Vatican, British Cardinal Arthur Roche, 76, heads the liturgy office, and his eventual successor will be scrutinised for signs of how Leo might address the divisive Latin Mass issue. American Cardinal Kevin Farrell, 78, remains head of the family and laity office, while Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny turns 80 in July, losing his vote in future conclaves.
Leo's first year has been defined by a cautious, long-term vision. He has yet to appoint his first class of cardinals, but with the number of voting-age cardinals set to drop below 120, such appointments are expected soon. His decisions so far suggest a pope focused on consolidation and careful stewardship, rather than dramatic upheaval.
