Pope Leo XIV’s First Pontifical Anniversary and Memorable Events in my Life as a Priest of the Catholic Church

By: Rev.Fr. Pol Villalva

On May 8, 2025, the bells of the Church once again echoed with joy as the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Successor of Saint Peter, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

Today, as we celebrate the first anniversary of his pontificate, I thank God for the grace of witnessing not only a historic moment in the life of the Church, but also deeply personal moments that have become unforgettable blessings in my priestly ministry.

Fifty days after his election, on June 27, 2025, during the Jubilee Year of Priests, I had the profound privilege of concelebrating the Holy Mass with Pope Leo XIV together with more than 2,000 priests from different parts of the world at the sacred Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Concelebrating with the Holy Father was a powerful reminder of the unity, beauty, and universality of the Catholic Church.

Then, seventy-eight days after his election, on July 25, 2025, another extraordinary grace was given to me — to meet Pope Leo XIV personally during a private gathering with International Seminary Formators at the Clement VIII Hall, in Vatican City. That face-to-face encounter with the Holy Father remains one of the most meaningful and humbling moments of my life as a priest and formator.

As I share these photos today, I also share my gratitude to the Lord for allowing me to witness these sacred and historic moments in the Church. These memories will forever remain written in my heart.

Happy First Pontificate Anniversary, Holy Father Pope Leo XIV!

May the Lord continue to guide and strengthen you as you lead the Church with faith, wisdom, humility, and courage.