Pope Leo XIV Makes Time’s 100 Most Influential People List

Pope Leo XIV’s Impact Recognized in Time’s Prestigious 100 Most Influential List

Pope Leo XIV has achieved a significant accolade by being featured in Time magazine’s 2026 list of the 100 most influential people globally. This recognition underscores the profound impact he has made during the nascent stages of his groundbreaking papacy.

The prestigious Time 100 list annually honors individuals from various sectors, including leadership, innovation, and public service, who have significantly influenced the world over the past year.

As the first American-born pope and the first Augustinian leader of the Catholic Church in over five centuries, Pope Leo’s inclusion in this list places him among influential figures spanning politics, culture, and public life.

Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese penned a tribute accompanying Pope Leo’s entry, applauding the new pope’s daring nature and approachability. “I’m struck by his bravery and his common touch,” Scorsese noted.

Scorsese, an Oscar-winning director, drew comparisons between Pope Leo and his predecessor, Pope Francis. Both pontiffs share a belief in the necessity of reform within the Catholic Church to uphold its moral and spiritual influence.

The challenges confronting the Church were also highlighted by Scorsese, who mentioned enduring scandals related to sexual abuse and financial misdeeds, alongside the increasing secularization in various global regions. “The church is at a crossroads, and it may once again be remaking itself,” he observed.

Moreover, Pope Leo’s dedication to enhancing the involvement of laypeople in Church leadership and charitable initiatives was emphasized, resonating with Pope Francis’ assertion that the Church transcends being merely a “building or a symbol but the actual teachings of Jesus.”

Scorsese also cited Pope Leo’s introduction to a new edition of The Practice of the Presence of God, authored by 17th-century Carmelite friar Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. Released in December 2025, Pope Leo’s introduction reflects on the vital nature of recognizing God’s presence in everyday existence.

“All Christian ethics,” the Pontiff articulated, “can truly be summed up in this continual calling to mind the fact that God is present: He is here.”

Describing the book as an insightful resource for uncovering God in daily life, Scorsese suggested that Pope Leo’s appreciation for this spiritual perspective indicates his broader ambition of extending faith into the realm of ordinary human experience. “I’m encouraged by his words,” he expressed.