When Robert Francis Prevost stepped onto the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica one year ago May 8, he carried with him a piece of paper on which he had carefully written the first words he would utter as Pope Leo XIV. His first speech was, in ways that would only become clear over the year that followed, a preview of what was to come.

The conclave ends when a new pope is elected by receiving two-thirds of the votes. Here's how much time that could take.

Newsweek has broken down Pope Leo XIV's biggest moments on his first anniversary.

For up-to-date news items about the first papal trip of Pope Leo. Pope Leo XIV lands in Ankara on Nov. 27 for his historic first papal journey to Turkey and Lebanon. (photo: Vatican Media) CNA Staff Vatican November 26, 2025 Pope Leo XIV is embarking on ...

Pope Leo XIV prays the rosary during a prayer vigil for peace in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 11, 2025, in the presence of the original statue of Our Lady of Fatima. Credit: CNS photo/Pablo Esparza In 1844, a Jesuit priest in Vals-près-le-Puy ...

Pope Leo XIV said Friday that his election was both a cross to bear and a blessing as he celebrated his first Mass and details began to emerge of how votes swiftly coalesced to make him history's first American pope.

The Holy Father announces dates for 2027 World Youth Day in South Korea, after encourgaing youth on the last day of their Jubilee. Pope Leo XIV waves at pilgrims from South Korea before the closing Mass of the Jubilee of Youth at the University of Rome Tor ...

Pope Leo XIV talks to pilgrims and visitors during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 22, 2025. Credit: CNS photo/Lola Gomez Almost two-thirds of humanity—more than five billion people—live in countries where ...