Welcome to the Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV
As the sun rose on the morning after his election as the 267th Pope, Pope Leo XIV stood before the Cardinal electors in the majestic Sistine Chapel. With a heart full of gratitude and a voice filled with conviction, he reminded them of their sacred duty to bear witness to their joyful faith in Christ the Saviour.
In his first Mass as Pope on Friday, 9 May 2025, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with Christ. He warned that without faith, life loses its meaning. The newly elected Pope, who hails from the United States, expressed his gratitude in English to the Cardinal electors for their trust in him.
Quoting the Responsorial Psalm, Pope Leo XIV urged the Cardinals to reflect on the marvels that the Lord has bestowed upon them through the Ministry of Peter. He acknowledged the weight of the cross that he now carries as the leader of the Church, calling upon his fellow Cardinals to walk alongside him in spreading the Good News.
Embracing Human Holiness
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV centered his reflections on St. Peter, the first Pope, and his profound relationship with Christ. He highlighted how Jesus, the Saviour, revealed the face of the Father to humanity, offering a model of human holiness for all to emulate. Through Christ, we glimpse our eternal destiny beyond our earthly limitations.
“Jesus showed us a model of human holiness that we can all imitate, together with the promise of an eternal destiny that transcends all our limits and abilities.”
A Sacred Trust
Pope Leo XIV underscored that his election as Pope was a divine calling to succeed Peter and faithfully administer the treasures of the Church for the benefit of all believers. He emphasized the profound question posed by Jesus, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” This question remains relevant today, as society grapples with different attitudes towards Christ.
Challenges of Modern Witness
The Pope acknowledged the challenges faced by believers in a world where faith is often marginalized or ridiculed. He warned against the dangers of reducing Jesus to a mere historical figure or moral teacher, urging Christians to boldly proclaim their faith in the face of adversity. In a world hungering for meaning, the Pope stressed the vital role of the Church in offering hope and salvation.
A Call to Joyful Witness
Pope Leo XIV concluded his homily by urging the congregation to echo Peter’s declaration, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” He emphasized the importance of personal conversion and communal fidelity in spreading the Gospel message. With humility and devotion, he prayed for the grace to lead the Church with love and humility, following the example of Saint Ignatius of Antioch.
As we embark on this journey with Pope Leo XIV, let us join together in prayer and solidarity, trusting in the guidance of Mary, Mother of the Church. May his papacy be a beacon of hope and faith for all believers around the world.
