Newly Elected Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass: Here's the Scoop!
Leo XIV, recently appointed Pope, leads his initial religious service
After a swift decision in the conclave, the American Robert Francis Prevost was crowned Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor to Saint Peter. Today's the big day as he returns to the Sistine Chapel to celebrate his inaugural mass.
Just 24 hours after his surprising election, the new Head of the Catholic Church steps back into the historical Sistine Chapel, surrounded by more than 130 cardinals. At 69, the energetic Pope Leo XIV is ready to present himself to the world.
Rising through the ranks as a missionary and bishop in Peru and a cardinal since 2023, his international connections have given him an edge among the other cardinals. So, when the white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel's chimney shortly after 6:00 PM, the world watched on in anticipation.
Cardinal Reinhard Marx expressed his "great joy" over the election. Pope Leo XIV, he believes, is a beacon of hope for the Catholic Church, with a knack for listening, arguing, and understanding people's concerns.
Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump heralded the election as a "great honor" for the United States. Known for his middle-of-the-road approach and willingness to speak out against politics, he was one of the first world leaders to congratulate the new Pontiff. With no pontiff having emerged from the States before, this historic event certainly marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
While some eagerly await Pope Leo XIV’s continuation of Francis's cautious reform course, more conservative cardinals call for a traditionalist approach. As Europe grapples with church membership losses due to scandals, other continents are witnessing an increase in Catholic members.
The faith-filled Pope Leo XIV recently led prayer before tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square and is expected to pay his respects to his predecessor in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore shortly. An inauguration mass for the new Pope is likely to take place in the coming weeks, where many state guests are expected.
As for his first Mass, while the schedule may not have been officially announced yet, it's likely to be livestreamed on the Vatican News website and their official media channels. To make sure you don't miss out, keep an eye on official Vatican social media accounts for the latest updates and links to the livestream!
With a president who hails from Chicago, this moment marks a significant moment in both the American and Catholic communities. Cheers to Pope Leo XIV and his bright future ahead!
Sources: ntv.de, Christoph Sator, Martina Herzog and Robert Messer, dpa
- United States
- Vatican
- Catholic Church
- Religion
Fast Facts:
- Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955.
- He chose the papal name Leo XIV upon his election.
- His ministry background is associated with the Augustinian Province of Chicago, where he served for two decades in northern Peru and became a naturalized citizen.
- His election has brought a sense of unity and pride to civic leaders and locals in his hometown of Chicago.
Watch the First Mass
- Keep an eye on Vatican News, the official Vatican website, and their social media accounts for the livestream of Pope Leo XIV's first mass.
- Major Catholic news sources and global broadcasters may provide live coverage.
- Be on the lookout for official updates from Vatican News regarding the livestream schedule.
- The community in Chicago, Illinois, is filled with pride after the election of their native, Robert Francis Prevost, who is now Pope Leo XIV.
- To implement his religious guidance, Pope Leo XIV is expected to introduce a community policy, following his traditionalist stance.
- Simultaneously, political leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election and celebrated it as a 'great honor' for the United States.
- As the newly crowned Pope steps into the leadership role, he is expected to address various issues, such as employment policy, during his tenure.
- As Pope Leo XIV prepares for his first mass, there is anticipation that it will be livestreamed on Vatican News and other official media channels, allowing both the religious and political community worldwide to participate in this historic event.
