Pope Leo XIV’s first mass: A hopeful vision for a unified Church

Pope Leo XIV, the first US pontiff, marked his first mass as pope on Friday in the Sistine Chapel, under Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes. In a heartfelt homily, Leo expressed his hope for a Catholic Church that would “illuminate the dark nights of this world,” offering a message of hope and unity.

The surprise election of Robert Francis Prevost, who assumed the papacy after a remarkably brief conclave lasting under 26 hours, has captivated the world. Speaking in both English and Italian, Leo acknowledged the marvels of God’s work, urging his fellow cardinals to recognize the blessings bestowed upon them and to remain faithful stewards of the Church.

Notably, Leo reflected on the challenges of evangelizing in a world where faith is often dismissed as outdated or irrelevant, overshadowed by secular pursuits like money, power, and technology. He emphasized that the need for missionary outreach is most profound in these areas of society, where Christians are often ridiculed or marginalized.

In the hours following the mass, the pope and the 132 cardinals who elected him shared lunch. Prevost, 69, had been living in Rome since 2023 and held a significant role overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide.

In the aftermath of Pope Francis’ passing, many are hopeful about Leo XIV’s leadership, with some anticipating a new, open approach to issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion and women’s roles in the Church.

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