Pope Leo Celebrates First Liturgy, Expresses Ambition to Uplift Church as a Guiding Radiance
Fresh Take:
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, a 69-year-old American missionary-turned-spiritual-leader, illuminated the Sistine Chapel with his first mass as the 267th pontiff and bishop of Rome. Hailing from Chicago, but with a heart rooted in Peru, this historic figure marks the first time an American has assumed the Holy See.
After a two-day conclave that saw 133 eligible cardinals from around the globe cast ballots, Pope Leo XIV was confirmed as the successor to the late Pope Francis. The momentous event was signaled by white smoke billowing from the chapel's chimney after four rounds of voting.
Emotions ran high on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, as Pope Leo XIV addressed the tens of thousands who had gathered to witness the unveiling of the new leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church. In addition to his US citizenship, the pope also holds Peruvian citizenship.
As he led his first mass in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the struggles faced by believers and the challenges inherent in preaching the Gospel. He emphasized the need for unity, peace, and declare the "wonderful deeds of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Facing a complex global landscape, the new pope stands poised to address conflicts, social and environmental issues, right-wing nationalism, and economic concerns. Embodying his perceived moral leadership, he has reflected on forging bridges and dialogue, mirroring the sentiments of his esteemed predecessor, Pope Francis.
Learn more about the challenges facing Pope Leo XIV, his background, and the meanings behind his name in our comprehensive analysis. Listen to "The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim," every Wednesday, for an insightful look into global matters.
Read more:
- The demands and challenges facing the new pope
- Who is Pope Leo XIV?
- What does the new pope's name mean?
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This week, Buckingham Palace congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election via a private message from the King. The question of doctrine, policy, and spiritual guidance under Pope Leo XIV's leadership remains a topic of ongoing interest and debate.
- In his inaugural address from St Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pontiff and bishop of Rome, acknowledged his dual citizenship, being an American with roots in Peru.
- After being elected as the successor to the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV was congratulated by the Prevost, or the King of England, through a private message from Buckingham Palace.
- As Pope Leo XIV leads the Catholic Church, he faces a global landscape that includes conflicts, social and environmental issues, right-wing nationalism, and economic concerns.
- As a finance leader, many are keen to understand the potential doctrines, policies, and spiritual guidance that Pope Leo XIV will adapt during his tenure, a topic of ongoing interest and debate among believers and analysts alike.
