Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff, Celebrates Inaugural Mass in Sistine Chapel, Pledges Support for Ordinary People

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, celebrated his inaugural Mass on May 9, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel. Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, he pledged to support ordinary people and expand the Church's missionary outreach. His homily emphasized humility, faith, and service, urging the Church to be a beacon amid modern secular challenges. His papacy follows Pope Francis' legacy of reform, focusing on social justice and inclusivity. Leo XIV's background in missionary work in Peru shapes his vision for a globally inclusive Church.

A Historic First in the Sistine Chapel

The Mass, attended by the College of Cardinals who elected him just a day earlier, marked the beginning of a new papal era. Pope Leo XIV began his homily in English, quoting the Psalms: “I will sing a new song to the Lord, because he has done marvels.” He then transitioned into Italian, the language of his new office, to deliver a message centered on humility, faith, and service.

“We are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour,” he said, urging the cardinals and the global Church to “move aside so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that he may be known and glorified.” He concluded with a prayer for grace through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church.

A Pope from Chicago with a Global Mission

Born Robert Francis Prevost in 1955 on the South Side of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV’s election marks a significant milestone for the American Catholic Church. Raised in a working-class suburb, he later joined the Augustinian order and spent decades as a missionary in Peru, where he became a naturalized citizen and served as bishop of Chiclayo. His pastoral work among the poor and marginalized in Latin America has shaped his vision of a Church that is outward-facing and inclusive.

In his first public remarks from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening, Leo XIV emphasized the Church’s role as a “missionary church, a church that builds bridges,” echoing the themes of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He called for a Church that is “always open to receive everyone… in charity, dialogue and love.”

A Pledge to Support the Marginalized

During his first Mass, Pope Leo XIV made a pointed commitment to align himself with “ordinary people” and to stand against the forces of wealth and power that often marginalize the vulnerable. “We must help heal the wounds that afflict our society,” he said, referencing the global crises of inequality, migration, and spiritual disillusionment.

His words resonated with many Catholics who see in him a continuation of Pope Francis’ emphasis on social justice. “He is a pope for all people,” said Maria Marino, a Catholic from New York. “His spirit seems to be open and listening.”

Reform and Continuity

Pope Leo XIV inherits a Church at a crossroads. The death of Pope Francis in April left a legacy of progressive reform, particularly in areas such as synodality, environmental stewardship, and outreach to marginalized communities. Leo has signaled his intention to continue these efforts, describing the Church as “synodal” in his first address and emphasizing the importance of listening and collaboration.

Observers note that his Augustinian background—marked by communal decision-making and missionary zeal—may influence his approach to governance. As Prior General of the Augustinian order from 2001 to 2013, he emphasized humility, dialogue, and service, qualities that now appear central to his papacy.

A Church Facing Calls for Change

The new pope’s election comes at a time of intense debate within the Church. Issues such as the role of women, LGBTQ inclusion, clerical abuse accountability, and the decentralization of authority continue to stir discussion among clergy and laity alike. While Leo XIV has previously expressed conservative views on gender ideology, he has also acknowledged the need for the Church to be more welcoming and open.

In his homily, he warned of a world turning away from faith in favor of “technology, money, success, power, or pleasure,” and called on the Church to be a “beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world.” His message was both a spiritual exhortation and a subtle critique of modern secularism.

A Papacy Rooted in Mission

Leo XIV’s long tenure in Peru, where he worked closely with indigenous communities and migrants, has deeply informed his pastoral priorities. During the Venezuelan migration crisis, he mobilized local parishes to provide food, shelter, and support to displaced families. His commitment to missionary outreach was evident in his first Mass, where he called for a Church that “spends itself to the utmost so that all may have the opportunity to know and love [Christ].”

This missionary spirit, combined with his American roots and global experience, positions him uniquely to lead a Church that is both universal and grounded in local realities.

A Moment of Global Significance

The election of an American pope has drawn attention not only from Catholics but also from political observers. While Pope Leo XIV has avoided overt political commentary, his emphasis on peace, dialogue, and care for migrants stands in contrast to rising nationalist sentiments in various parts of the world.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of the Philippines noted, “It matters a lot that we have a pope and a spiritual leader whose heart is for migrants. And I think he will sustain the direction of Pope Francis.”

As he begins his papacy, Pope Leo XIV faces the challenge of uniting a diverse and often divided Church. His first Mass, rich in symbolism and substance, offered a glimpse of a leader committed to humility, service, and global outreach.

References

• Pope Leo holds first mass as pontiff in Sistine Chapel
• Pope Leo XIV to Cardinals: 'We are to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ' - Vatican News
• Pope Leo XIV warns against lack of faith in first Mass at Vatican
• What Pope Leo XIV Has Already Said About 5 Key Issues
• Pope Leo XIV's 'godly' path from Chicago to the Vatican
• What Pope Leo XIV's election means for the future of the church and Catholics worldwide