Pope Leo XIV Leads First Mass, Vows to Side With Ordinary People and Heal Society’s Wounds

American-born Pope Leo XIV, who was just chosen as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, led his first Mass on Friday. During the service, he said his election was "a cross to bear and a blessing." He also shared his vision for missionary work and standing with people worldwide who are going through hard times.

Leo XIV promised to prioritize the needs of "ordinary people" over those of the powerful and rich during a Mass in the Sistine Chapel, where he had been elected by the cardinals the day before. In a moving sermon, he discussed the importance of the Church interacting with the world instead of hiding behind walls. This comment sets the stage for what many people think will be an essential and life-changing papacy.

The new leader, who used to be called Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first pope from the United States in the Church's 2,000-year history. This is a historic event. Officials from the Vatican said that Leo's election was more about his work helping poor people in Peru and his leadership roles within the Vatican than about his country. However, his election is a big deal for American Catholics.

As a dual citizen of Peru, Pope Leo has to make important and difficult decisions about the future of the Church as it deals with heated internal arguments and problems around the world. The latest call for "missionary outreach" shows a continued focus on working with the world's poor and disadvantaged, which is similar to what his predecessor did. It also shows how his pastoral experiences in Latin America have shaped him.

On May 18, Leo XIV will be installed publicly in St. Peter's Square. Meanwhile, he has to lead a Church that is very divided over everything from teaching to its role in politics. He must also make the Vatican a central moral authority when global tensions rise.

Leo leads 1.4 billion Catholics in what he calls "a raging battle for the soul of the Church and its place in a world riven with conflict. " His first words show that he is ready to take on both tasks with humility and determination.

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