TIME100 Gala: David Muir Pays Tribute To Pope Francis While Being Honoured
David Muir, anchor of World News Tonight and 20/20, was honoured at the 2025 TIME100 Gala. He reflected on moderating a 2015 town hall with Pope Francis.
David Muir, the trusted face of World News Tonight and co-anchor of 20/20, was honoured at the 2025 TIME100 Gala on April 24. The star-studded event took place at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, where Muir was celebrated for being named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people of the year. He joined an eclectic and powerful list of fellow honorees, including Demi Moore, NFL star Jalen Hurts, Oscar-winner Adrien Brody, and acclaimed designer Gisle Pelicot.
On the red carpet at the TIME100 Gala, David Muir took a moment to reflect on one of the most profound experiences of his career which was moderating a historic 2015 town hall with Pope Francis. The conversation, conducted entirely in Spanish, was a first of its kind and left a lasting impression on the anchor.
related stories
“It was extraordinarily compassionate, moving, and human," Muir said, remembering his first meeting with the late pontiff, who passed away just days before the gala. Calling the moment humbling, Muir shared how deeply the Pope’s presence had affected him.
He’s now set to lead ABC News’ special coverage from the Vatican, reporting on the Pope’s funeral and the global response to his passing.
When Good Morning America asked David Muir about the most influential people in his life, he named his parents, the mentors who guided him at his local station, and ABC veteran Diane Sawyer. “Diane’s an inspiration. She’s the real icon," he said.
- Location :
- First Published: