The new Pope, Leo XIV, celebrated his first Mass with cardinals in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, a day after he was elected to the pontificate, becoming the first American Pope in history.
Robert Prevost, born in Chicago but with dual Peruvian citizenship, where he served as a missionary for a long time, began his speech in English and then continued in Latin. The message he conveyed was that the church must illuminate the dark nights of this world: “In a special way, God has called me through your election to succeed the Prince of the Apostles, and has entrusted this treasure to me, so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator for the sake of the entire mystical Body of the Church. He has done this so that it may be ever more a city set on a mountaintop, an ark of salvation that sails through the waters of history, and a torch that illuminates the dark nights of this world.”
The surprise election of the American came on the second day of the conclave and on the fourth ballot, with white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney just after 6 p.m. According to analysts, in his first public appearance from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo offered three important clues about the kind of leader he will be for the 1.4 billion members of the Catholic Church.
Joshua McElee, Vatican correspondent, said: “The first clue is related to the name he chose. The last pope to have such a name was known as the Workers’ Pope. He was really concerned about issues of social injustice and the new Pope is expected to convey the same messages. Another important indicator was his choice to speak in several languages: Italian and also in Spanish, addressing the diocese in Peru where he served. The third clue was his choice of clothing. Unlike Francis who wore only white clothing, Leo XIV also brought back the red cape, signaling that although he will follow in Francis’ footsteps, he will have his own Papacy and will decide for himself what kind of Pope he will be.”
The new pope inherits a series of major challenges ranging from budget cuts to divisions over whether the Church should be more welcoming to LGBTQ people and divorcees. President Donald Trump congratulated Leo XIV on becoming the first American pope in history, calling it a great honor for the country. However, the 69-year-old has previously criticized the policies of Trump and his deputy, JD Vance.
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