Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Mass as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Friday, marking a historic moment as the first American-born pontiff to assume the papacy.
The newly elected Pope led a private Mass with the College of Cardinals at the Sistine Chapel at 11:00 a.m. local time (5:00 p.m. Philippine time). During the liturgy, he delivered his first homily as Pope in both English and Italian, highlighting themes of faith, mission, and gratitude.
Beginning his homily in English, Pope Leo XIV expressed heartfelt thanks to the Cardinal electors for entrusting him with the papacy. He called on the cardinals to continue bearing joyful witness to their faith in Christ the Savior.
“We are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour,” the Pope said, urging deeper personal relationships with Christ and reminding all that life without faith is meaningless.
The homily then transitioned into Italian, where Pope Leo XIV reflected on the legacy of the first pope, Saint Peter. Citing the Gospel of Matthew, he echoed Peter’s confession of faith:
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” he said, emphasizing the unbroken tradition of the Church passed down through apostolic succession for over two millennia.
The Pope also acknowledged the divine nature of his election, describing it as a calling from God to serve as the 267th successor to Saint Peter.
He concluded his homily with a solemn prayer:
“May God grant me this grace, today and always, through the loving intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church.”
Pope Leo XIV’s historic first Mass sets a tone of humility, continuity, and deep faith as he begins his papal ministry.
