The new Pope, Leo XIV, has asked the Catholic Church to bring hope and light to a world filled with challenges. He made this call during his first Mass at the Vatican after being elected as the 267th Pope and the first American to lead the Church.
In his message, Pope Leo said many people today are turning away from faith and choosing to follow things like technology, money, power, and pleasure. He warned that this has made life lose its true meaning for many people.
He explained that his job is to be a faithful leader of a Church that should act like a bright light during dark times, stating that the church should be a “beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world.”
The 69-year-old Pope, whose real name is Robert Francis Prevost, was warmly welcomed by Catholics around the world. Many people celebrated in his hometown in the United States and in Peru, where he worked for 20 years as a missionary.
In his sermon on Friday, Pope Leo said that faith is often ignored in places where power, wealth, and technology control people’s lives. But he added that this is exactly where the Church must go to spread hope and kindness.
“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,” he told the cardinals gathered inside the Sistine Chapel.
Before starting his main message, the Pope spoke in American-accented English, asking the cardinals to support him. “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me.”
The new Pope was introduced to the world on Thursday evening after white smoke appeared from the Vatican chimney, a sign that the Church had chosen a new leader. Thousands of people gathered at St. Peter’s Square cheered loudly as Pope Leo appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
In his first speech to the crowd, he shared his hope for a Church that builds peace, welcomes everyone, and is always ready to listen and help others.
Many world leaders have sent messages of congratulations. US President Donald Trump called it a “great honour” to have the first American pope.
Before becoming Pope, Leo XIV served as Bishop in Peru and was made a cardinal in 2023. Vatican observers believe that the late Pope Francis had brought him closer to the Vatican in recent years, possibly preparing him for this important role.
Pope Leo has been known for speaking out in favour of human rights and defending the poor. He has also previously criticised harsh immigration policies in the US.
Now as Pope, he takes on a big responsibility during a time of many global problems. People around the world are eager to see how he will lead the Church and what message he will bring in his coming public appearances.
His next events include a Sunday prayer at St. Peter’s Basilica and a meeting with journalists on Monday, where many hope to learn more about his plans for the future.
