In his inaugural appearance as Pope, Leo XIV emphasizes a pastoral vision of inclusivity for marginalized communities while calling for missionary outreach to heal societal wounds, setting a transformative course for the Church.
**Pope Leo XIV Embraces Missionary Outreach in Bold Papal Debut**
**Pope Leo XIV Embraces Missionary Outreach in Bold Papal Debut**
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivers his first Mass with a commitment to uplift the marginalized and foster unity, heralding a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church.
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Current time in Vatican City 10:49 p.m. May 9
Live Updated May 9, 2025, 4:41 p.m. ET
In his first Mass as Pope, Leo XIV vowed to prioritize the needs of the marginalized and promote missionary outreach to address societal afflictions. The election marked a significant milestone for the Catholic Church, with Leo as the first American-born pontiff. Despite his roots in the U.S., Cardinals indicated that Leo's years of service to the poor in Peru and his dedication to the Church were more critical factors in his selection.
"Today, we must renew our commitment to lift up the ordinary people," Leo proclaimed during Mass at the Sistine Chapel. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David of the Philippines highlighted the importance of having a leader who empathizes with migrants, affirming that Leo would likely continue the legacy established by Pope Francis.
Leo used his inaugural speech to reflect on a loss of religious faith contributing to "appalling violations of human dignity." He aims to mend the "wounds that afflict our society," a stance likely to influence the Church's future amid rising conservative factions within U.S. Catholicism. The new pontiff's dedication to inclusion hearkens back to his predecessor's focus on compassion and outreach.
While some American cardinals noted that Leo's nationality was not a factor during the conclave, the pontiff's American identity sparked renewed discussions about the intersection of faith and politics in the United States. Notably, Leo displayed a readiness to address issues at odds with the current political climate, hinting at possible disagreements with President Trump concerning immigration and social justice.
In coming days, Leo will face pressing questions on his papal governance as he balances tradition with contemporary challenges. Forthcoming interactions with the media promise to illuminate his vision, offering insight into how he intends to navigate the complexities of leading the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic community.
His appointment has elicited excitement in both Chicago and Peru, where he has established a deep connection through his pastoral work. As both communities celebrate their "new pope," Leo XIV appears poised to continue advocating for the most vulnerable while building on the foundation laid by his predecessors.
Current time in Vatican City 10:49 p.m. May 9
Live Updated May 9, 2025, 4:41 p.m. ET
In his first Mass as Pope, Leo XIV vowed to prioritize the needs of the marginalized and promote missionary outreach to address societal afflictions. The election marked a significant milestone for the Catholic Church, with Leo as the first American-born pontiff. Despite his roots in the U.S., Cardinals indicated that Leo's years of service to the poor in Peru and his dedication to the Church were more critical factors in his selection.
"Today, we must renew our commitment to lift up the ordinary people," Leo proclaimed during Mass at the Sistine Chapel. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David of the Philippines highlighted the importance of having a leader who empathizes with migrants, affirming that Leo would likely continue the legacy established by Pope Francis.
Leo used his inaugural speech to reflect on a loss of religious faith contributing to "appalling violations of human dignity." He aims to mend the "wounds that afflict our society," a stance likely to influence the Church's future amid rising conservative factions within U.S. Catholicism. The new pontiff's dedication to inclusion hearkens back to his predecessor's focus on compassion and outreach.
While some American cardinals noted that Leo's nationality was not a factor during the conclave, the pontiff's American identity sparked renewed discussions about the intersection of faith and politics in the United States. Notably, Leo displayed a readiness to address issues at odds with the current political climate, hinting at possible disagreements with President Trump concerning immigration and social justice.
In coming days, Leo will face pressing questions on his papal governance as he balances tradition with contemporary challenges. Forthcoming interactions with the media promise to illuminate his vision, offering insight into how he intends to navigate the complexities of leading the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic community.
His appointment has elicited excitement in both Chicago and Peru, where he has established a deep connection through his pastoral work. As both communities celebrate their "new pope," Leo XIV appears poised to continue advocating for the most vulnerable while building on the foundation laid by his predecessors.
