Pope Leo XIV leads first Mass as pontiff
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American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost presides over his first Holy Mass as Pope Leo XIV with cardinals in the Sistine Chapel on May 9 in Vatican City, Vatican. Photo: Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass as pontiff on Friday in the Sistine Chapel.
The big picture: During the homily, Leo touched on significance of faith and its meaning in life in the modern world.
- "Even today, there are many settings in which the Christian faith is considered absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent. Settings where other securities are preferred, like technology, money, success, power, or pleasure," he said, per the Vatican.
- In a nod to his predecessor, Leo wore black shoes.
What he's saying: "My brother cardinals, as we celebrate this morning, I invite you to recognize the marvels that the lord has done, the blessings that the lord continues to pour out upon all of us," Leo said.
- "Through the ministry of Peter, you have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission, and I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a church, as a community of friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the gospel."
Zoom in: Two women delivered the Scripture readings at the start of the Mass, per AP. Their inclusion could be an indication of Leo's intention to follow Pope Francis in expanding women's role in the church.
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