Pope Leo XIV celebrates first mass, describes his election a cross, a blessing

Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV, the first North American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, described his election as both “a cross and a blessing” as he celebrated his inaugural Mass on Friday in the Sistine Chapel.

Speaking off-the-cuff in English to the cardinals who elected him, the newly elected pope expressed gratitude and humility for the trust placed in him, pledging to continue the Church’s mission in the spirit of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

“You have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission,” he said. “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a church, as a community, as friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the Gospel.”

The Mass took place just a day after the Chicago-born Augustinian missionary, Robert Prevost, was elected the 267th pope—overcoming a long-standing tradition against choosing a pontiff from the United States.

Delivering a brief but poignant homily, Pope Leo urged the Church to evangelize with joy, even in a world that often derides faith.

He noted that Christianity is increasingly “considered absurd,” and that Jesus is frequently misunderstood or reduced to a mere “charismatic leader or superman.”

Two women read the Scripture at the start of the Mass, a possible signal that Pope Leo intends to continue Pope Francis’ efforts to elevate women’s roles in the Church.

As a cardinal, he had already embraced this reform, appointing three women to the influential board responsible for vetting bishop candidates.

The homily, delivered in near-perfect Italian, echoed Francis’ legacy of social justice and reform, emphasizing both continuity and the weight of spiritual leadership.