A Historic Papacy Begins: Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass
In a moment that reverberated across the globe, Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, celebrated his inaugural Mass as Pope at the Vatican’s revered Sistine Chapel on May 9th. The event followed a stunning announcement the previous day, where he emerged as the first Pope from the United States in the Catholic Church’s long and storied history. The selection of an American to lead the world’s Catholics had surprised many, and his first Mass marked a pivotal moment for the Church.
The elevation of Cardinal Prevost to the papacy unfolded with an element of surprise. The conclave of 133 cardinals tasked with choosing the successor to the late Pope Francis convened for two days of deliberation. Insiders and papal experts hadn’t anticipated an American candidate emerging victorious.
Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago and holds dual Peruvian-American nationality, owing to his extensive career and work in Peru. His academic journey took him through Villanova University, the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His service within the Church included roles as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Notably, he was named a Cardinal less than two years before his election as Pope, a rapid ascent that underscored his standing within the Church hierarchy.
The announcement of his selection as Leo XIV on May 8th elicited a resounding reaction from the crowd gathered at the Vatican. In his initial address, delivered in English, Pope Leo XIV declared, "You have called me to carry the cross and to be blessed with that mission. And I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me." This brief message, following his initial pronouncements in Latin and Spanish, hinted at the multilingual nature of his papacy.
The following day, the Sistine Chapel was filled as Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide. The multilingual service commenced with the Pope processing into the chapel, chanting in Latin alongside the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel Choir, an institution with a legacy as one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious musical ensembles.
The choice of languages for the Mass symbolized the Pope’s global perspective and commitment to inclusivity. The first two readings were delivered in both English and Spanish, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the Catholic community. Pope Leo XIV’s fluency extends beyond these languages; the National Catholic Reporter notes his proficiency in French, Italian, and Portuguese, as well as his ability to read Latin and German.
His homily began with an address to the Cardinals in English. Echoing the words from the day before, he said, "You have called me to carry the cross and to be blessed with that mission. And I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me." The remainder of his homily was delivered in Italian. Pope Leo XIV invoked his predecessor, Pope Francis, stating, "Pope Francis often taught that Catholics are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour." This reference signaled a continuity with the previous papacy and a commitment to the core tenets of Catholic doctrine.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the urgent need for missionary outreach, saying it is desperately needed in places where Christians are mocked, opposed, despised, or at best tolerated and pitied. His words painted a picture of the challenges faced by Christians in many parts of the world and underscored his commitment to defending and supporting the faithful. This focus on areas where Christians are facing persecution aligned with the broader mission of the Catholic Church.
The choice of the name "Leo XIV" carries symbolic weight. The name "Leo" has been associated with strong leadership in the Church’s history, and this selection could signal a desire to emulate the qualities of previous popes who bore that name. Moreover, the choice of a papal name is a deeply personal decision, reflecting the new pope’s vision for his pontificate.
The beginning of Leo XIV’s papacy has been marked by a sense of historic change, given his American background and the surprise surrounding his election. His fluency in multiple languages, his experience working in Latin America, and his commitment to missionary outreach signal his intent to lead a global Church that addresses the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. His emphasis on the importance of bearing witness to the Christian faith and supporting those who face persecution serves as a guiding principle for his pontificate.
The coming months and years will reveal the full scope of Pope Leo XIV’s vision and his impact on the Catholic Church and the world. His first Mass at the Sistine Chapel, however, provided a glimpse into the leadership style and priorities that will define his papacy.
