The Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM) released a video in which the country’s bishops express their recognition and gratitude to Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the first anniversary of his pontificate. The material, published on May 8 through various Catholic channels, highlights the “walking together” and the spirit of communion that has characterized the ministry of the first American pontiff in history.
In the video, the prelates thank the Holy Father for his courage in accepting the election and highlight messages from the Pope’s magisterium: “Thank you for having accepted with courage the Lord’s invitation to follow, to be a disciple. We must be brave and not be afraid. Walk together promoting a spirit in the Church of that communion among all, that the Church is not only the bishop with the priests or with the religious men and women: we are the Church and we must continue to grow in that sense”.
The bishops add a confident prayer: “Let us ask him without discouragement that it be He who transforms it into fertile ground that bears fruit without us knowing how. May God bless you” emphasizing that the Church is the people of God as a whole and not just the hierarchy.
The pontiff, 70 years old, was elected on May 8, 2025 in a historic conclave that lasted two days and four ballots. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an Augustinian born in Chicago and naturalized Peruvian after decades of mission in the Andean country, became the 267th successor of Peter. He took the name of Leo XIV as a gesture of continuity with tradition and in homage to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died weeks earlier. His election marked a milestone: he is the first American pope and the first in decades with strong missionary experience in Latin America.
During this first year, Leo XIV has promoted a pontificate marked by calls for peace amid global conflicts, the strengthening of synodality and closeness to the most vulnerable. The Mexican bishops, gathered in their CXX Plenary Assembly, have expressed on multiple occasions their full communion with the Holy Father, especially supporting his interventions for peace and social justice.
The CEM video coincides with the official celebration in the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV presided over a pastoral visit to the south of Italy, with mass at the Sanctuary of Pompeya and meeting with the faithful in Naples. For the bishops of Mexico, this anniversary represents not only a commemoration, but an invitation to renew ecclesial commitment. “We are the Church”, the message repeats with phrases from Pope Leo XIV reminding that spiritual growth depends on the participation of all the baptized.
With a little more than a year at the helm of Peter’s barque, Leo XIV has consolidated a discreet but firm pastoral style, centered on missionary evangelization and unity. The Mexican bishops, with this audiovisual gesture, reaffirm their adherence to the Successor of Peter and their desire to continue walking together “without discouragement”.
The video is shared below: