First Year in Papacy: Pope Leo Gains Public Profile, Speaks Out Loudly

Pope Leo Marks First Year as Leader with Increased Public Profile

Pope Leo marks his first year leading the Catholic Church on Friday. He has grown more outspoken on the world stage, drawing ire from US President Donald Trump.

First US-born Pope, who denounced war and despotism during a recent Africa tour, is expected to release his first in-depth teaching document this month. A one-week trip to Spain is also planned for June.

Leo, who maintained a low profile in his first 10 months as pope before facing attacks from Trump after criticizing the US-Israeli war on Iran, will make five trips inside Italy through July.

As the pace increases, Pope Leo is likely to maintain the new forceful tone he debuted in Africa, experts say. The Vatican has grown concerned about global leadership direction.

“Leo has become our singular voice for peace and human dignity,” said Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington. “He’s applied Gospel teachings specifically to human rights violations.”

Leo will meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, his first known in-person meeting with a Trump cabinet member in nearly a year. Rubio expects a frank conversation about Trump administration policies.

Began Papacy as Unknown Figure

Selected by world cardinals on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo succeeded Francis after two days of secret conclave at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. He was previously a missionary and bishop in Peru before becoming a senior Vatican official in 2023.

In his first months, Leo steered clear of hot-button issues but began criticizing Trump’s immigration policies in September, drawing backlash from conservative US Catholics. After criticizing the war in Iran, Trump insulted him on social media, calling him “weak” and “terrible.”

On his 10-day Africa trip in April, the pope warned against the world’s richest threatening peace, decried violations of international law by global powers, and said the world was being ravaged by tyrants.

Leo will visit Pompei and Naples in Italy for several days. The first anniversary visit is the first of five inside Italy, culminating on July 4 with a trip to Lampedusa, an island south of Sicily known as the first port of call for migrants making the perilous voyage from North Africa to Europe.

The choice to visit the island on the US’s 250th independence day has drawn attention. The Vatican has not announced the publishing date for Leo’s encyclical but expects it before May’s end.

Vatican expert David Gibson says Leo will address universal values, not just Trump or other leaders. “If a particular leader feels attacked by Leo’s words, that is their problem,” said Gibson.