Pope Leo XIV Enthralls Congregation in First Mass Focused on Ordinary People**

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, reflecting on the teachings of his predecessor, advocates for the church's outreach to ordinary people and a renewed focus on social justice during his first Mass.**

In a historic and defining moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass on May 9, pledging to champion the cause of “ordinary people” and to confront the rich and powerful who often overshadow them. The American-born pope highlighted the urgent need for “missionary outreach” to address societal issues, signaling a potential shift in the church’s guiding principles.

Addressing an audience of cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, lamented the current state of faith in society, attributing detrimental “violations of human dignity” to a widespread loss of religious conviction. This call to action was a thematic echo of the message delivered by his predecessor, Pope Francis, marking continuity in the church's mission while also hinting at challenges ahead.

During his inaugural Mass, which took place less than 24 hours after his election, Leo XIV invoked the teachings of Jesus, portraying him as a figure beloved by the ordinary people but often dismissed by the elite. The new pontiff expressed his determination to be a voice for those in need, particularly migrants, a cause close to his heart after his time in Peru.

His election itself, as the first American pope, is viewed as a landmark event in the history of the Catholic Church, particularly among the American clergy. While some discussed the significance of his nationality, attendees emphasized his commitment to social justice gained through years of service. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David emphasized the importance of having a spiritual leader who prioritizes the needs of migrants, suggesting continuity with Pope Francis’s legacy.

As Leo XIV faces urgent questions about the church's direction in a polarized environment, his homily addressed the critical need for the church to become more involved in confronting modern societal challenges. He spoke of the need to “build bridges” while offering little concrete guidance on governance, suggesting a period of contemplation as he settles into his role.

The newly appointed pontiff will have to navigate crucial issues, such as the role of women, LGBTQ inclusion, and the church’s response to modern societal shifts, while maintaining a legacy of compassion and missionary work that has characterized recent papacies.

The formal installation of Pope Leo XIV is set for May 18 in St. Peter's Square, where he will continue to outline his vision for the Roman Catholic Church amidst a landscape filled with both expectation and skepticism from various factions within the church and beyond.