In his first message to the global Catholic community, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of standing with "ordinary people" against those in power while calling for a renewed commitment to missionary outreach.
Pope Leo XIV's First Mass: A Call to Serve the 'Ordinary People'
Pope Leo XIV's First Mass: A Call to Serve the 'Ordinary People'
The newly elected pope pledges to promote missionary outreach and unite the faithful in response to global challenges during his inaugural homily.
May 9, 2025, 10:00 a.m. ET - Pope Leo XIV presided over his inaugural Mass this morning at the Sistine Chapel, outlining a vision for the Catholic Church that prioritizes those frequently overlooked in society. In a powerful homily, he stressed the importance of missionary work and the need to heal the social wounds of modern life.
Reflecting on the loss of faith and its dire consequences, the Chicago-born pontiff asserted that “appalling violations of human dignity” are tied to a growing disconnection from spiritual beliefs. Drawing on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, he enthusiastically called for a Church ready to engage with contemporary society and build bridges to the marginalized.
In attendance were the cardinals who participated in his election, many of whom had considered him a strong candidate because of his extensive experience both in the U.S. and in Peru, where he served as a bishop. Deliberations about the new pope’s approach expressed cautious optimism among those looking for continuity in a rapidly changing Church landscape.
Experts view Leo’s election as part of a significant shift in the Church's leadership, breaking traditional boundaries with his American origin while still honoring the Church's deep-rooted hierarchy. The pope's first address, delivered from St. Peter's Basilica, echoed aspirations for a "synodal church" — one in which laypeople are actively engaged in discussions about pivotal Church matters.
Among the topics anticipated to arise under Leo's leadership are contentious issues such as the role of women in the Church, the potential for discussing clergy celibacy, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ members in Church dialogue. Observers noted that the pope's initial remarks signaled a desire to maintain an interactive dialogue with the Church’s global base, fostering an environment for collaboration and reform.
As anticipation grows, the formal inauguration Mass is set for May 18, with Cardinal Blase J. Cupich highlighting the potential for a modern-day reinterpretation of the Church's social doctrines, harkening back to Leo XIII's notable encyclical on labor rights. Leo XIV’s papacy aims to navigate those age-old debates while prioritizing faith-based outreach and community support.
Overall, Pope Leo XIV's first Mass set the tone for a papacy focused on connection, humility, and a commitment to inclusivity for all members of the Catholic community, signaling an openness to reassessing the Church's role in an increasingly complex world.
Reflecting on the loss of faith and its dire consequences, the Chicago-born pontiff asserted that “appalling violations of human dignity” are tied to a growing disconnection from spiritual beliefs. Drawing on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, he enthusiastically called for a Church ready to engage with contemporary society and build bridges to the marginalized.
In attendance were the cardinals who participated in his election, many of whom had considered him a strong candidate because of his extensive experience both in the U.S. and in Peru, where he served as a bishop. Deliberations about the new pope’s approach expressed cautious optimism among those looking for continuity in a rapidly changing Church landscape.
Experts view Leo’s election as part of a significant shift in the Church's leadership, breaking traditional boundaries with his American origin while still honoring the Church's deep-rooted hierarchy. The pope's first address, delivered from St. Peter's Basilica, echoed aspirations for a "synodal church" — one in which laypeople are actively engaged in discussions about pivotal Church matters.
Among the topics anticipated to arise under Leo's leadership are contentious issues such as the role of women in the Church, the potential for discussing clergy celibacy, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ members in Church dialogue. Observers noted that the pope's initial remarks signaled a desire to maintain an interactive dialogue with the Church’s global base, fostering an environment for collaboration and reform.
As anticipation grows, the formal inauguration Mass is set for May 18, with Cardinal Blase J. Cupich highlighting the potential for a modern-day reinterpretation of the Church's social doctrines, harkening back to Leo XIII's notable encyclical on labor rights. Leo XIV’s papacy aims to navigate those age-old debates while prioritizing faith-based outreach and community support.
Overall, Pope Leo XIV's first Mass set the tone for a papacy focused on connection, humility, and a commitment to inclusivity for all members of the Catholic community, signaling an openness to reassessing the Church's role in an increasingly complex world.
