The newly elected head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, celebrated his inaugural Mass with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel on Friday. Formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, the Chicago-born cleric served for decades as a missionary and later Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru before ascending the ranks of the Vatican. His election came swiftly, wrapping up a two-day conclave with the iconic white smoke rising Thursday evening to announce the new pontiff.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo is expected to share a private lunch with the cardinals who elected him. They will soon depart for their home countries, while the pope turns his attention to a complex agenda: financial challenges, deepening debates around LGBTQ inclusion, the status of divorced Catholics, and growing calls to expand women’s roles in Church leadership.
In his first mass as pope, Leo XIV emphasized the need for the Church to fight against a “lack of faith.” This message sets the tone for his papacy, highlighting the importance of spiritual renewal and evangelization.
The Catholic Church has welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s election, with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) congratulating the Church on the new pope. The Lagos Muslim community also felicitated Catholics on the new pope, demonstrating the ecumenical spirit and interfaith dialogue that is essential in today’s world.
As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, he faces significant challenges, including financial reforms, LGBTQ inclusion, and women’s roles in Church leadership. His leadership will be crucial in addressing these issues and promoting unity within the Church.
Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration marks a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s history, and his message of faith and renewal will likely resonate with Catholics worldwide. As the first American to hold the papacy, he brings a unique perspective to the role, and his commitment to fighting a “lack of faith” will be closely watched by the global Catholic community.