Pope Leo XIV has celebrated his first Mass as head of the Catholic Church, delivering a strong message of renewal, mission, and faith to cardinals in the Sistine Chapel—just a day after his historic election.
Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV becomes the first North American to ascend to the papacy, a milestone that has drawn international attention. U.S. President Donald Trump described his appointment as a “great honour” for the United States.
In his inaugural homily, the Pope voiced hope that his leadership would help the Church illuminate what he called “the dark nights of this world.” Speaking directly to the cardinals, he said, “You have called me to be blessed with the mission of leading the Church… I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me.”
He laid out a clear vision for the Church’s future, stressing the urgency of outreach in regions where faith is diminishing. “Even today, there are many settings in which the Christian faith is considered absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent,” he said, highlighting societies dominated by “technology, money, success, power or pleasure.” These, he said, are the areas most in need of renewed missionary effort.
Pope Leo XIV also pledged to serve as a “faithful administrator” and urged unity among Church leaders, encouraging them to act as “a community of friends of Jesus” and to boldly share the Gospel.
His election ushers in a new era for the Catholic Church, with global observers closely watching how the first North American pope will lead its mission in a changing world.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
