The new Pope, Leo XIV, called on the Catholic Church to “desperately” counter the lack of faith in his first Mass at the Vatican.
The day after he was the 267th Pope and elected the Church’s first American leader, he warned that people were turning their backs from faith, instead on “technology, money, success, power, or joy.”
Leo said he was elected as the “faithful administrator” of the church, which serves as “a beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world.”
Robert Francis Prevast’s ascension was celebrated by 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, and there was an explosion in his American homeland and Peru, where he served for 20 years.
In Friday’s sermon, the new Pope said there are many circumstances in which Christian faith was considered “absurd” – power, wealth and technology dominate – but there was exactly what missionary outreach was needed.
“The lack of faith often tragically involves the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, the terrible violation of human dignity, the crisis of family and the neglect of many other wounds that torment our society,” he said in an Italian speech.
Pope Leo, 69, wore a white pope robe trimmed in gold when he addressed the sitting cardinals of Sistine Chapel, an event broadcast live by the Vatican administration.
In an undescripted introduction to the clergy before the clergy, Leo called out from his cardinal to unity the church, and told them in American accented English: “I know I can rely on each and every one of you.”
After weeks of prediction, the previously unknown Prevost was introduced as the new Pope to the world at St. Peter’s Square on Thursday evening.
Tens of thousands of worshippers of Square exploded with cheers as white smoke curled up from the Vatican chimney on the second day of Conclave’s vote.
Shortly afterwards, Chicago-born Prebust appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral. In his first words to the crowd, he outlined the vision of the “missionary” church. The “Missionary” church “builds a bridge that holds open dialogues.”
He repeated to call on his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, for peace.
“Please help us and each other, build bridges through dialogue, meet in peace, and come together as a person,” he said.
World leaders have rushed to celebrate Prevost on his election, pledging to work with him on global issues in times of uncertainty. US President Donald Trump called it the “great honor” to have the first American pope.
Previously bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, Prevost became the only archbishop and cardinal in 2023. He was elected fellow Cardinals for what is believed to be a four-round vote in the Secret Conclave, which took place over two weeks after Francis’ death.
He is seen as adjoining the late progressive pope. He is seen as a human rights advocate, as the poor, and praised for his charismatic style of trying to make the Catholic Church more outward.
Vatican watchers note that Francis appears to have brought Prevost to Rome in recent years.
Augustine’s missionary worked for decades with the poor and marginalized people in Peru, and acquired his nationality in 2015.
In his previous role as a Prevost cardinal, he also expressed or amplified criticism of the US administration under President Trump, including anti-immigration policies.
In his X account, he previously criticized Vice President J.D. Vance’s claim that Christians should love their families, neighbors, communities and fellow citizens in that order, saying in February:
As Pope, he faces important tasks when leading the Church during an important time of global conflict. Observers expressed their hope that they could provide a counterpoint to more divisive voices on the world stage.
His upcoming remarks, including Sunday noon Regina Koli prayer at St. Peter’s Cathedral and Monday’s press conference with journalists, are closely watching for signs as to which direction he intends to lead the church and what kind of pope he will become.
