PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Holy Mass as pontiff, emphasizing the need for the Church to act as a “beacon” in areas with a “lack of faith.”
👥 Who’s Involved: Pope Leo XIV, previously Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the Roman Catholic Church’s 267th pope and first American leader.
📍 Where & When: The first mass took place at the Vatican on May 9, following his election the previous day.
💬 Key Quote: “A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society,” Pope Leo XIV said.
⚠️ Impact: The Pope’s call for unity and outreach is expected to influence the Church’s approach to addressing modern societal challenges and global conflicts.
IN FULL:
Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered his inaugural Holy Mass at the Vatican on Friday, urging the Church to act as a “beacon” in regions suffering from a “lack of faith.” Previously, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the 267th Pope and the first American to hold the position, was elected just a day prior in a historic conclave.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the Church‘s challenges, noting that many are turning away from faith and towards “technology, money, success, power, or pleasure.” He emphasized the need for missionary outreach in areas where Christian faith is seen as “absurd,” dominated by power and wealth.
The Pope remarked, “A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society.” The Pope addressed the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, calling for unity and collaboration.
The mass itself was primarily said in Latin, the traditional language of the Roman Catholic Church, while the homily was said initially in English and Italian.
World leaders, including U.S. President Donald J. Trump, have congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election, with Trump calling it a “great honor” to have the first American pope.
Observers are keenly watching his upcoming public appearances, including Sunday’s Regina Coeli prayer and a Monday press conference, for indications of his leadership direction.