King Charles III and Archbishop of Westminster Richard Moth are among world and religious leaders who paid tribute to Pope Leo XIV, marking a year since the start of his pontificate.

The King has sent a message of congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on the first anniversary of his election, reflecting upon the enduring ties between the UK and the Holy See.

“The day serves as a valued opportunity to reflect on the enduring friendship between our nations,” he said.

Recalling the visit that he and the Queen made to the Holy See in October, King Charles added, “I am deeply encouraged by the strength of our bilateral ties and remain committed to fostering even closer cooperation in the years to come. As we face the shared challenges of our time, particularly those concerning the climate and the preservation of our natural world, I find hope in our ongoing advocacy for addressing climate change as both a moral and spiritual issue.”

He added, “May the gift of hope, the wisdom of religion and the knowledge of science also continue to allow humanity to take enlightened and transformative action in the pursuit of peace.”

The anniversary came the day after Pope Leo met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a committed Catholic, at the Vatican and gave him a pen made of olive wood, which he described as the “plant of peace”. In the year of his pontificate, Pope Leo has addressed the subject of peace, in writings and addresses, more than 400 times. In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Pope Leo because of the Pope’s concerns about the war in Iran.

Archbishop of Westminster Richard Moth, marking the anniversary, said, “Since his election, he has been a clear and consistent voice calling us to share the peace of Christ. He has reminded us that true peace is not simply the product of human effort but a gift of the Holy Spirit. To work for peace, therefore, is an act of evangelisation.

“Pope Leo has also spoken with clarity about the dignity of the human person, urging a renewed confidence in human creativity, imagination and intellect. In so doing, he has warned against the danger of allowing technological development to diminish or distort what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God.

“In his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, he calls us to reflect more deeply the love God has shown to us, especially in our care for the poor. At a time of growing conflict and division, he is a point of unity, demonstrating through both word and example how we are enabled to remain centred on Christ.“

He drew attention to Leo being the first Augustinian to sit in the Chair of St Peter. “At a time when so many hearts are restless, St Augustine leads us again to the peace found in the Sacred Heart of Christ.“

Pope Leo XIV today paid a pastoral visit to Pompeii, marking the May 8 feast of Our Lady of Pompeii. “What a beautiful day, how many blessings the Lord wanted to give to all of us,” the Pope said before Mass. “I feel I am the first blessed to be able to come here to the sanctuary of the Madonna on the day of her feast and on this anniversary.”