Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass, to Be Installed on May 18 at St. Peter's Square

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, celebrated his inaugural Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, a day after his election by 133 cardinals in a swift conclave. The 69-year-old Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost was chosen to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. The Mass, attended by the cardinals who elected him, was a private affair. In his first homily as pope, Leo XIV spoke in both English and Italian, expressing his commitment to being a 'faithful administrator' of the Church. He warned against the reduction of Jesus to merely a 'charismatic leader or superman' and emphasized the importance of faith amidst modern challenges. The new pope highlighted the urgency of the Church's mission in contexts where faith is considered absurd or where other securities like technology, money, success, power, or pleasure are preferred. Leo XIV's election has drawn attention from world leaders, with congratulations coming from figures such as Donald Trump, who called it a 'great honor' for the United States. The pope's first full day included a lunch with American cardinals and a meeting with the international media, signaling the beginning of his pontificate. His formal installation as pope is scheduled for May 18 at St. Peter's Square.