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9th May 2025 By The Global Heroes Articles

Pope Leo XIV, newly elected as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church and the first American to hold the position, used his inaugural Mass at the Vatican to urge a vigorous response to the growing loss of faith around the world.

Speaking one day after his election, the 69-year-old pontiff warned that many people today are turning away from God and placing their trust instead in “technology, money, success, power, or pleasure.” He said he had been chosen to be a “faithful administrator” of a Church meant to shine as “a beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world.”

The rise of Robert Francis Prevost has been met with widespread celebration among the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, with especially joyful reactions in his native United States and in Peru, where he served as a missionary for two decades and became a citizen in 2015.

In his sermon on Friday, Pope Leo noted that in many parts of the world, Christian faith is often viewed as “absurd,” as secular values like power and wealth take center stage. Yet he insisted it is precisely in those environments where missionary work is most needed.

“A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family, and many other wounds afflicting our society,” he said, delivering his address in Italian while wearing a gold-trimmed white papal robe in the Sistine Chapel. The Mass was broadcast live by the Vatican.

In an unscripted opening before the homily, the new Pope addressed the cardinals in his native American-accented English, calling for unity: “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me.”

Prevost’s election was revealed Thursday evening, when white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel after what is believed to have been four rounds of voting. Tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in celebration as he appeared on the balcony of the Basilica.

In his first words to the crowd, Leo XIV laid out his vision of a missionary Church, one that “builds bridges, holds dialogues, and is always open.” Calling for peace and reconciliation, He echoed his predecessor, Pope Francis.

“Help us, and each other, to build bridges through dialogue, through encounter, to come together as one people, always in peace,” he said.

World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, extended congratulations. Trump called it a “great honour” for the first American to become Pope.

Prevost’s rapid rise surprised many. Only elevated to the rank of archbishop and cardinal in 2023, he was previously the Bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru. His progressive outlook and commitment to the poor are seen as continuing the legacy of Pope Francis, who was celebrated for his compassion, humility, and efforts to make the Church more inclusive.

Some observers from Vatican believe that, Francis may have quietly positioned Prevost as a potential successor by bringing him to Rome in recent years. As an Augustinian missionary, Prevost was widely respected for his work with the poor and marginalized.

In his former role as cardinal, he did not shy away from public criticism, particularly of U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration. On social media, he rebuked Vice President JD Vance for suggesting Christians should rank their love for others, writing, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others.”

Now, as Pope, Leo XIV faces a critical moment in history, tasked with guiding the Church through a time marked by global conflicts and deep social divisions. His upcoming appearances, including the traditional Regina Coeli prayer on Sunday and a press conference with journalists on Monday are expected to provide more insight into his leadership style and direction for the Church.

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