Vatican City – In his first Mass since ascending to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, made a stirring call for the Catholic Church to be a “beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world,” warning of a global crisis in faith.
Speaking in the Sistine Chapel a day after his election, Leo XIV—formerly Robert Francis Prevost—urged the Church to counter society’s drift toward power, technology, and materialism. “A lack of faith,” he said, “is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, and appalling violations of human dignity.”
The 69-year-old Pope, who served in Peru as a missionary for two decades, wore a white robe trimmed in gold as he addressed the cardinals. His American-accented English and emotional appeal for unity drew attention worldwide. “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me,” he told them.
Building Bridges, Not Walls
Echoing his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo XIV called for a missionary and outward-facing Church. “This is a Church that builds bridges, holds dialogues, and remains open to all,” he said from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica just hours after white smoke from the conclave signaled his election.
Leo XIV’s ascension has been met with jubilant reactions from Chicago, his birthplace, to Chiclayo, Peru, where he served the poor and marginalized. His papacy, many observers believe, signals continuity with Pope Francis’ vision of justice and human dignity.
Global Leaders React
World leaders swiftly extended congratulations. US President Donald Trump called the election of the first American pope “a great honor.” Others expressed hopes that Pope Leo XIV’s leadership would provide moral clarity in a time of global uncertainty.
His next public appearances—the Sunday Regina Coeli and a Monday press conference—will be closely watched for clues on how he plans to steer the Church through contemporary challenges including global conflict and social unrest.
From Missionary to Pope
Prevost was made a cardinal only in 2023 and is seen as a protégé of Francis, who reportedly brought him to Rome in recent years. A naturalized Peruvian citizen, Leo XIV had criticized Trump-era immigration policies and emphasized Christian universality. On X (formerly Twitter), he once challenged Senator JD Vance’s ranking of love, writing: “Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
In choosing the name Leo XIV, he invoked the legacy of past papal reformers. Vatican insiders say it signals strength, renewal, and global mission—fitting for a pope who now holds the hopes of 1.4 billion Catholics.
With Leo XIV at the helm, the world watches as a new chapter begins—one that seeks to confront modern crises with ancient faith, unity, and compassion.
Explore more on Pope Leo XIV’s immigration views and the history of papal elections in our religion section.
