Vatican City, April 2026 — Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, has officially landed on Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2026” list.
The announcement, made on April 15, places the Chicago-born pontiff among a global elite of leaders, icons, and pioneers. According to Time’s editor-in-chief, Sam Jacobs, the selection isn't based on a specific metric but rather on the individuals whose stories are actively "shaping the world."
A Cinematic Tribute: Scorsese on Leo XIV
In a personal reflection for Time, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese praised the Pope for his "bravery and common touch." Scorsese, who maintained a close friendship with the late Pope Francis, noted that Leo XIV seems to be carrying the torch of reform to ensure the Church retains its spiritual relevance.
Key highlights from Scorsese’s commentary include:
A Historic First: Leo XIV is not only the first North American pope (noted for his distinct Chicago accent) but also the first Augustinian to hold the office in half a millennium.
The Reformer: Scorsese observed that Leo shares Francis’s vision of a Church focused on the teachings of Jesus rather than just institutional power.
Empowering the People: There is a clear commitment to giving the laity (the non-clergy members) a more significant role in Church leadership and charitable works.
"The church is at a crossroads," Scorsese wrote. "I believe that Pope Leo shares the view that the church is not a building or a symbol, but the actual teachings of Jesus."
Spirituality in the Everyday
The tribute also highlighted Leo XIV’s deep affinity for “The Practice of the Presence of God,” a 17th-century spiritual classic by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection.
Pope Leo has frequently cited this text—alongside the writings of St. Augustine—as a foundational influence on his life. He famously wrote in late 2025 that all Christian ethics boil down to one simple, profound reality: "God is present: He is here."
Scorsese, who has shared the book with friends for years, noted that the Pope’s endorsement offers a refreshing model for faith: taking the Church out of majestic cathedrals and into the grit of everyday existence.
Source: https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people/2026/pope-leo-xiv/?filters=Leaders
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