Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, on Tuesday. The gesture marked the first anniversary of the former pontiff's death.
Remembering the first pontiff from the Americas, Pope Leo XIV stated that Francis gave the 1.4-billion-member Church so much with his words and his witness. He specifically highlighted Francis' messages of mercy, respect and fraternity.
The Basilica is due to hold a Mass in his honour later on April 21.