David Muir Celebrates TIME100 Honor Alongside Demi Moore and Jalen Hurts at Star-Studded Gala

After being named in TIME magazine's list of the 100 most impactful individuals for the year 2025 last week, David Muir was celebrated at the TIME100 Gala in New York City on Thursday.

Muir, who serves as both the anchor and managing editor for "World News Tonight with David Muir" and also co-anchors the news magazine program "20/20," was one of those present. icons spotlighted this year , along with Demi Moore , Jalen Hurts , Adrien Brody , Gisèle Pelicot and more.

The TIME100 gala took place just days afterward. Pope Francis ' died at the age of 88 .

On Thursday night at the red carpet event, Muir reflected on the past. historic 2015 town hall along with his moderation of the discussion in Spanish involving the Pope -- and the instant he encountered the pontiff within the walls of the Vatican.

"Muir said that he understood his colleague was gauging the character of the person he would be spending an hour with during this town hall, something unprecedented," he explained to TIME.

The anchorman mentioned that it was an incredibly humbling experience.

Muir mentioned that they discussed the young individuals awaiting an opportunity to speak with him," he stated. "He demonstrated remarkable compassion, warmth, and humanity.

Muir will lead comprehensive Vatican coverage of Pope Francis's passing The 266th leader of the Catholic Church, encompassing the Pope lying in state, the visitation at St. Peter's Basilica where devotees come to show respect, along with the broadcast of his funeral Mass.

Tune into ABC News for their live coverage of the funeral service for Pope Francis, titled "Celebrating Francis: The People's Pope," scheduled for Saturday, April 26, beginning at 3:30 a.m. ET. You can watch this event on your local ABC station as well as stream it via ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu.

Joelle Garguilo from WABC7 interviewed Muir at an event on the red carpet, asking him what advice he would offer his younger self.

At age 13, I likely couldn’t articulate my desire to venture into new places and explore the globe — realizing there was more than just our backyard and playground. However, this yearning, along with those who responded to my letters and calls at the nearby radio station and welcomed me in, nurtured that aspiration within me,” Muir stated. “For their support, I am thankful.”

On the red carpet, ABC's "GoodMorningAmerica" also had the chance to ask Muir about the most impactful individual in his life.

Saying it was impossible to pick just one, Muir named his parents -- who supported him from a young age when they drove him to his local TV station when he was just 13 years old -- the staff at the station who invited him on set and behind the scenes in 1987, and legendary ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer.

"Diane's an inspiration. She's the real icon," Muir told GMA. "We're all just grateful to sort of be in her glow."

Muir also mentioned his happiness in knowing that "Diane is pleased, and those parents back home are equally proud."

Sawyer penned an emotional homage to Muir for TIME , praising his exceptional journalism and their camaraderie.

Just as Peter Jennings did before him, David exudes authority and dynamism — always the first one heading towards breaking news stories. Whether it’s tracking down ISIS in Iraq, dealing with hurricanes and wildfires, or traveling for days to comfort starving children in Madagascar and South Sudan, his efforts have led to millions of dollars being donated to the World Food Programme due to his acclaimed coverage of climate issues," Sawyer noted about Muir's work.

She similarly touched upon Muir's formative years and his transformation into a prominent journalistic figure.

Sawyer noted that he believes he understands what destiny entails since he has come across a picture of a determined 13-year-old boy who managed to secure an internship at the nearby television studio through sheer persuasion. This young man later became the selected anchorman for conversations with Popes and Presidents. His presence is marked by composure, respectfulness, and fearlessness.

Complete episodes of "World News Tonight with David Muir" can now be streamed on YouTube.