In his first mass as pope, Leo XIV called on the Catholic Church to urgently confront what he described as a “desperate” lack of faith across the globe. The 69-year-old American, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago, made the appeal during a homily delivered Friday in the Sistine Chapel, one day after becoming the first-ever pope from the United States.
Standing beneath Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment,” Leo warned cardinals that believers today are often “mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied.” These are, he stressed, the very environments where the Church must extend its missionary efforts.
Speaking in Italian and briefly in English and Spanish, the pope lamented that modern society often replaces faith with “technology, money, success, power, or pleasure,” leading to a profound “loss of meaning in life” and widespread “violations of human dignity.” He also cautioned against reducing Jesus to a “charismatic leader or superman,” arguing that this misunderstanding is prevalent not only among non-believers but also among many baptized Christians living in “practical atheism.”
Leo XIV used the occasion to call for unity within the Church, telling fellow cardinals: “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me.”
The surprise choice of Prevost—a little-known Augustinian missionary who served for two decades in Peru and was made cardinal only in 2023has sparked both curiosity and celebration. Often referred to as the “Latin Yankee,” Leo XIV has drawn praise for his simplicity and closeness to the people in South America.
As he prepares for public engagements over the coming days, including Sunday’s Regina Coeli prayer and a press meeting on Monday, global attention is focused on the new pontiff’s tone and direction.
Though a relative unknown internationally, Pope Leo is already being compared to his predecessor, Francis, for his progressive values and emphasis on mercy and mission. As Cardinal, he was known for defending migrants and workers and had criticized U.S. anti-immigration policies yet was still congratulated by former President Donald Trump after his election.
The Chicago native’s ascension has been met with joy in his hometown, where locals celebrated his blue-collar roots and love for baseball and deep-dish pizza. A lighthearted debate even erupted over whether he supports the Cubs or the White Sox, with his brother confirming his loyalty to the latter.
Leo XIV’s election comes at a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. Alongside global crises and internal divisions, the new pope must confront the lingering impact of sexual abuse scandals and rebuild trust in the institution.
Promising to “build bridges” through dialogue and peace, Leo stated, “Help us, and each other, to come together as one people, always in peace.”
