In his first address, Pope Leo XIV speaks to the necessity of the Catholic Church to act as a guiding light and mentions the societal challenges posed by a loss of faith.
Pope Leo XIV Urges Faith Renewal in First Mass as Pontiff
Pope Leo XIV Urges Faith Renewal in First Mass as Pontiff
Newly elected Pope emphasizes the Church's role in combating a decline in faith during his inaugural mass.
In his inaugural mass held on Friday, Pope Leo XIV issued a heartfelt call for the Catholic Church to actively restore faith in a world increasingly reliant on "technology, money, success, power, or pleasure." This plea comes just a day after his election as the first American pope, where he emphasized the Church's mission to reach out to those struggling with a declining belief in spiritual values.
The new pontiff, Robert Francis Prevost, aged 69 and hailing from Chicago, was embraced with enthusiasm by the Catholic community worldwide, particularly in Peru, his previous mission location, and in the United States. In his address, Pope Leo highlighted the urgent need for missionary efforts, stating that wavering faith often results in deep life struggles, neglect of compassion, and troubling breaches of human dignity.
Wearing a striking white robe adorned with gold, Pope Leo XIV delivered his message to the gathered cardinals within the Sistine Chapel, which was broadcast live. The day prior, he was warmly welcomed to the Vatican by throngs of worshippers in St. Peter's Square, where he expressed a vision of a dynamic Church that seeks to "build bridges" and engage in active dialogue.
World leaders have swiftly offered their congratulations, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing pride in having the first American pope. Prevost, who was recently named an archbishop and cardinal in 2023, was elected leader within just two days of the conclave after the passing of Pope Francis. Observers of the Vatican note that Pope Francis had positioned Prevost for this role long before his death, highlighting a continuity of progressive values aimed at enhancing the Church’s outreach and commitment to human rights.
As Pope Leo XIV prepares to share further insights this weekend, including the Regina Coeli prayer and a forthcoming press conference, many await his guidance on the path he seeks to carve for the future of the Church in these changing times.
The new pontiff, Robert Francis Prevost, aged 69 and hailing from Chicago, was embraced with enthusiasm by the Catholic community worldwide, particularly in Peru, his previous mission location, and in the United States. In his address, Pope Leo highlighted the urgent need for missionary efforts, stating that wavering faith often results in deep life struggles, neglect of compassion, and troubling breaches of human dignity.
Wearing a striking white robe adorned with gold, Pope Leo XIV delivered his message to the gathered cardinals within the Sistine Chapel, which was broadcast live. The day prior, he was warmly welcomed to the Vatican by throngs of worshippers in St. Peter's Square, where he expressed a vision of a dynamic Church that seeks to "build bridges" and engage in active dialogue.
World leaders have swiftly offered their congratulations, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing pride in having the first American pope. Prevost, who was recently named an archbishop and cardinal in 2023, was elected leader within just two days of the conclave after the passing of Pope Francis. Observers of the Vatican note that Pope Francis had positioned Prevost for this role long before his death, highlighting a continuity of progressive values aimed at enhancing the Church’s outreach and commitment to human rights.
As Pope Leo XIV prepares to share further insights this weekend, including the Regina Coeli prayer and a forthcoming press conference, many await his guidance on the path he seeks to carve for the future of the Church in these changing times.
