Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, marked a significant milestone on Friday as he celebrated his first mass as the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church. Held privately for cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, the mass was a key moment as the 267th pope took on his new role. Prevost, who had been a leading figure in Vatican circles but relatively unknown on the global stage, delivered his first homily as pontiff to an eager and curious audience.
The moment of his election came following a secret conclave in the Vatican, where cardinals gathered to choose the next spiritual leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. As Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, cheering for the new pope. Despite his modest background and relatively recent elevation to cardinal in 2023, Prevost was among the top names in Vatican speculation. His low-key persona contrasted with the global attention, as many remained unaware of who the humble man was.
In his first address, Pope Leo XIV called for global peace and unity, echoing his predecessor’s calls for dialogue and understanding. He urged people to build bridges through peaceful encounters, emphasizing the importance of a missionary Church that remains open to all. This message resonated with both his supporters and international leaders, who swiftly welcomed his election and pledged to collaborate on pressing global issues.
Leo XIV’s papacy comes at a crucial time. The Catholic Church, still grappling with the legacy of the sexual abuse scandal, faces a leader tasked with uniting its divided factions. His background as a defender of the poor, with outspoken views against anti-migrant policies, paints him as a progressive figure. Yet, his election was also seen as one of moderation, with many interpreting it as a continuation of the legacy of Pope Francis, whose progressive views shook the Church’s foundations.
From his first mass to the upcoming Sunday prayers and a Monday meeting with journalists, every move of the new pope will be scrutinized. His reputation as a modest, approachable figure was celebrated in both Peru, where he spent 20 years, and Chicago, his hometown. The pope’s love for baseball and deep-dish pizza in his working-class neighborhood in Chicago adds to his personal story, further endearing him to his followers.
The election of Pope Leo XIV signifies a fresh chapter in the Church, as his calm demeanor is expected to help navigate global tensions while fostering unity within the Church itself. His election, marked by cheers and white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, may prove to be a turning point in the Church’s future as it grapples with the challenges ahead.
