Pope Leo conducts first Mass at Sistine Chapel

Pope Leo XIV on Friday carried out his first Mass after being elected to serve as the 267th pontiff on Thursday. Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, made history as the first American-born pope. The Chicago native began his Friday homily in English and switched to Italian about a minute into the message.

What was his message? Leo began by calling the audience to recognize the Lord’s marvels and blessings He continually gives and began speaking on Matthew 16:16. He acknowledged that God entrusted him with the responsibility of leading the Roman Catholic Church, which he hoped would shine as a light in the dark world. It is the holiness of the church’s members, not its grand chapels and monuments, that sheds this light on the world by declaring the Lord’s wonderful deeds, he said.

Leo reiterated the importance of Christians bearing witness to Christ in the world God entrusted to us, which he noted was a common lesson shared by Pope Francis. One needs a personal relationship and daily conversation with the Lord to do this, he noted. Leo then referenced the story of Ignatius of Antioch, who was willingly devoured by beasts in the Colosseum for his faith. This is an indispensable commitment to those in the church, to make oneself small so that Christ can be known and glorified by all, Leo said.

The Vatican planned to formally install Leo as pontiff during an inaugural public Mass on May 18 in St. Peter’s Square, according to a schedule released Friday.

Dig deeper: Read my report for more background on the first American pope.