First North American pope and former Augustinian missionary Robert Prevost now also known as Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday. In English, he spoke to cardinals and appealed for a Catholic Church that “illuminates the dark nights of this world.” He promised a future of missionary activity, charity, and open discussion.
The American at 69, who follows Pope Francis, invoked tradition and continuity, combining respect for reforms in the past with a dedication to reform. He suggested potential early foreign journeys and looks ready to install a structured, compassionate vision for the Church.
First North American Pope Steps Into History
Dressed in white vestments, Pope Leo entered the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment. He blessed the cardinals and conducted Latin prayers and hymns. Women occupied the pulpit for scripture readings — a symbol of the inclusiveness Leo is hoping to promote.
He addressed the cardinals in English for the first time as pontiff. “You have invited me to bear the cross and be blessed,” he said, asking for unity of purpose in taking the Catholic faith to the people.
A Message of Light and Openness
Pope Leo called upon the Church to be a beacon in times of darkness. He used a similar tone to Pope Francis’s emphasis on outreach, but with greater formality. In his inaugural message from St Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, Leo delivered it in Italian and Spanish. Now, he introduces his home language of English to the Vatican platform.
In Italian, he instructed the faithful that the Church needs to “build bridges,” be open, and receive all seeking charity, presence, and love. He connected his mission to the Church piazza spirit — open, receiving, and compassionate.
Name, Background, and Continuity
In choosing the name Pope Leo XIV, he identified with Pope Leo XIII, who was a reformer and well known for his advocacy of social justice. Leo also sported the traditional red cape — another obvious reference to papal custom, a deviation from Francis’s austere manner. But on values, at least, they appear to have been closely shared, indicating consistency in priorities.
The American-born pope is a former prior general of the Order of St Augustine. He becomes the first Augustinian pope. His service in floods in Peru impressed people, especially by repairing his own trucks and delivering aid by himself.
What Next for Pope Leo ?
Pope Leo will issue his first public blessing on Sunday from the Vatican loggia. On Monday, he will take questions from the press in the Vatican auditorium. Vatican authorities also made discreet references to a potential trip to Türkiye at the end of May, when Francis had been invited to commemorate 1,700 years since the First Council of Nicaea.
Once he was elected, Leo went back to his previous apartment in the Sant’Uffizio Palace to welcome friends — pictures of the moment shortly went viral on social media. Before going onto the balcony, he prayed privately in the Pauline Chapel.
