Pope Leo XIV calls Church 'a beacon to illuminate dark nights' in first mass

In his first official mass at the Vatican, newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful sermon calling on the Catholic Church to confront a growing lack of faith in modern society. Addressing the congregation in the Sistine Chapel, the 267th pontiff, who is the first American to lead the Church, expressed concerns about people turning away from faith and instead placing their trust in technology, money, power, and pleasure.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, emphasized his role as a 'faithful administrator' tasked with guiding a Church that he described as 'a beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world.' His message struck a chord with the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, especially in his native United States and Peru, where he served as a missionary for two decades. In both countries, faithful followers celebrated his election with masses of thanksgiving, while Vatican observers closely analyzed his every word and gesture for indications of his future direction.

During the mass, the Pope highlighted the pressing need for missionary outreach in areas where the Christian faith is often dismissed as irrelevant or absurd. He lamented the rise of materialism and the erosion of family values, calling attention to the 'appalling violations of human dignity' that accompany society’s growing disconnection from spiritual life. 'A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, and the crisis of the family,' he warned. He also urged Christians to find ways to engage with those who have strayed from the faith, emphasizing the importance of compassion, dialogue, and persistent outreach.

Pope Leo XIV, who was clad in a white papal robe trimmed with gold, addressed the cardinals in Italian during the sermon. However, in a personal and unscripted introduction, he spoke to them in his distinctly American-accented English, urging unity among Church leaders: 'I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me.' His message of unity was not only directed toward the cardinals but also to the broader Church, as he emphasized the need for collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges such as poverty, conflict, and climate change.

The election of Prevost as Pope has drawn praise from global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the appointment of the first American Pope as a 'great honor.' The conclave that elected Prevost reportedly took four rounds of voting over two days, concluding with a jubilant celebration in St. Peter’s Square when the traditional white smoke signaled the selection of a new Pope. As Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he waved to the cheering crowds, his expression a mixture of solemnity and humility.

Before his elevation to the papacy, Prevost was the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, a position in which he was known for advocating for the poor and marginalized. In 2023, he was appointed archbishop and then cardinal, a move that some Vatican observers believe was orchestrated by the late Pope Francis to position Prevost as his successor. As a former missionary, his emphasis on serving the underprivileged is expected to shape his papacy, particularly as global conflicts displace millions and economic disparities widen.

Echoing the progressive stance of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV has already made statements advocating for peace and bridge-building across global divides. During his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he urged the faithful to 'build bridges through dialogue, through encounter, to come together as one people, always in peace.' His call for unity was reminiscent of the late Pope Francis’ focus on inclusivity and compassion, signaling a continuation of that legacy.

In the years leading up to his papacy, Prevost had been outspoken on several social issues, notably criticizing the U.S. administration’s hardline immigration policies. He was particularly vocal against Vice President JD Vance’s controversial comments regarding the prioritization of love for family, neighbors, and citizens. 'Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others,' he had asserted in a social media post. Now, as Pope, his words carry even greater weight, and observers are watching closely to see how he will address contentious political and social issues.

Pope Leo XIV’s next public appearance is scheduled for Sunday, during the traditional Regina Coeli prayer in St. Peter’s Basilica. Additionally, he is expected to hold a press conference on Monday, where the world will be watching for further insights into his papal vision and leadership style. With many pressing issues on the global stage, including economic inequality, conflicts, and a crisis of faith in many regions, Pope Leo XIV’s next moves will be critical in defining the tone and direction of his papacy.