Pope Leo XIV Holds First Mass as Pontiff, Calls for a Church That Brings Light to a Troubled World

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, led his first mass as pontiff on Friday beneath the historic frescoes of the Sistine Chapel.

During the solemn mass attended by 132 cardinals, Pope Leo XIV began his homily in English, offering praise to God with the words, “I will sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done marvelous things.” He then transitioned into Italian, outlining his mission to be a faithful servant of the Church, one that is not defined by grand structures but by the holiness and humility of its followers.

The pontiff highlighted the challenges facing modern believers, particularly in societies where faith is often dismissed or ridiculed. He spoke of places where materialism, power, and personal success overshadow spiritual values, stressing that these environments are where the Church’s message is most urgently needed.

The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV concluded in under 26 hours, making it one of the swiftest papal elections in recent history. Born in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost was serving as the head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops prior to his election.

Following the mass, the pope joined the cardinals for a lunch at the Vatican, after which they began their departures to their respective countries. In a touching gesture, Pope Leo XIV made an unscheduled visit to his former residence at the Sant’Uffizio palace, where he greeted pilgrims, posed for photographs, and signed autographs — reportedly his first as pope.

Pope Leo XIV now faces a series of pressing issues, including Church reforms, financial transparency, and the ongoing fight against clerical abuse. There is also growing anticipation around how he will navigate debates on the role of women, divorced Catholics, and LGBTQ+ believers in the Church.