Pope Leo XIV Delivers First Mass, Calls Church ‘a Beacon in the Darkness

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Mass at the Vatican, calling on the Catholic Church to become a beacon of hope amid what he described as a global crisis of faith. In his inaugural sermon as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church—and the first American to hold the papacy—Leo emphasized the urgent need for the Church to respond to a world increasingly drawn to technology, wealth, power, and pleasure over spirituality. He urged the faithful to return to core values and described the Church as a “beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world.”

Known previously as Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV’s election has been celebrated by over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. From his native United States to Peru, where he served for two decades, there were emotional scenes of support and joy. The former Bishop of Chiclayo was only made a cardinal in 2023, making his rise to the papacy both swift and unexpected.

In his Friday sermon, delivered in Italian inside the Sistine Chapel, Leo XIV warned of growing secularism and the marginalization of Christian values. He said that in societies dominated by wealth, political power, and digital innovation, faith is often seen as absurd. Yet it is in these environments, he said, that the Church must renew its missionary efforts. He spoke of the devastating consequences of a declining spiritual foundation, linking it to the loss of meaning in life, disregard for human dignity, family crises, and societal wounds.

Wearing traditional white papal robes with gold trim, the 69-year-old Pope addressed cardinals seated beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling in a Mass that was broadcast live by the Vatican. In a rare unscripted moment, Pope Leo addressed the cardinals in American-accented English, expressing confidence in their unity and shared mission: “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me.”

His rise followed a secret conclave that elected him after four rounds of voting, succeeding the late Pope Francis. When white smoke signaled the decision, tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to welcome the new pontiff. Moments later, Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to introduce himself, calling for a Church that “builds bridges” and promotes dialogue and peace.

In echoing Pope Francis’s call for unity and outreach, Pope Leo XIV pledged to lead a missionary Church rooted in compassion and engagement. He has received global congratulations, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling his election a “great honor.” Pope Leo’s election comes at a time of mounting global tensions, and observers are watching closely to see how he navigates political, moral, and humanitarian challenges.

His background as an Augustinian missionary and advocate for the marginalized is expected to shape his leadership. During his time in Peru, he was known for promoting social justice, and in recent years had voiced opposition to certain political figures and policies in the U.S., particularly around immigration. His online presence, including critical remarks on social media, reflects a commitment to applying Catholic teaching to real-world debates.

Pope Leo XIV’s next major public appearances, including the Regina Coeli prayer on Sunday and a Vatican press conference on Monday, are expected to offer more insight into his vision for the Church. As the first North American Pope, his leadership represents a significant moment in Catholic history and signals the potential for a new era of reform, dialogue, and renewed spiritual mission.