Siem Reap Times

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Pope Leo XIV Holds First Mass at the Sistine Chapel Following Election

Pope Leo XIV Holds First Mass at the Sistine Chapel Following Election

Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, calls for humility in his inaugural homily at the Vatican, emphasizing a missionary outreach to global communities in need.
Pope Leo XIV, newly elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, delivered his first Mass at the Sistine Chapel on May 9, 2025, a day after his election.

The service marked a return to worship in a venue typically bustling with tourists but recently serving as a polling site for the conclave that selected him.

Leo, aged 69 and formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, is notable for being the first pontiff from the United States.

In his homily, Leo initially spoke in English before transitioning to Italian.

He expressed gratitude to the cardinals for electing him to lead the Church, referring to the weight of the responsibility as a call to "carry the cross" of the Catholic Church.

He urged members of the priesthood to embrace humility, calling for them to make themselves "small" as part of their ministry, a sentiment reminiscent of the priorities of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

Leo’s election has been the subject of significant discussion, particularly regarding the implications of his American nationality amidst concerns about the nation's vast global political influence.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York stated that Leo’s nationality did not play a significant role in the selection process, emphasizing that he is seen as the "father of the church universal." Similarly, Cardinal Wilton Daniel Gregory from Washington dismissed interpretations that linked Leo's election as a reaction to U.S. politics, affirming that the conclave aimed to strengthen the Christian faith rather than respond to political considerations.

During his first Mass, Leo highlighted the necessity of missionary efforts directed towards "corners of the world where it is desperately needed." His call for outreach aligns with established Catholic missions emphasizing service and support for marginalized communities.

Observers have noted potential parallels between Leo XIV and Pope Francis, including stylistic choices and a shared focus on inclusion and social issues.

However, there are indications that Leo may take a more traditional approach to certain theological questions, such as the ordination of women, which he addressed previously as a non-negotiable tradition.

As the papacy officially begins on May 18 with an inauguration Mass at St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV's first general audience is scheduled for May 21.

Cardinal Arthur Roche remarked on the election, suggesting it reflects a continuity of purpose and unity left by Pope Francis, who had focused on pastoral experience within the Church's leadership.

Leo's leadership is positioned against a backdrop of extensive reforms in recent papacies, with an emphasis on maintaining essential doctrines while welcoming a diverse global congregation.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Siem Reap Times
0:00
0:00
Close
President Biden’s announcement of advanced prostate cancer sparked public sympathy—but behind closed doors, Democrats are in panic
Thailand and Indonesia Strengthen Bilateral Relations to Enhance ASEAN Cooperation
US Administration Signals Potential Tariffs for 18 Trade Partners
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts Again, Spewing Ash Cloud over Flores Island
A Chinese company made solar tiles that look way nicer than regular panels!
Thai Prime Minister to Host Indonesian President in Bangkok
Japan to Enhance Strategy for Quantum Technology Industrialization
Asean Ministers Urge Unity Amid Global Economic Volatility
Rodrigo Duterte Arrested and Transferred to The Hague Amid ICC Charges
U.S. and Philippine Forces Test High-Powered Microwave Weapons in Joint Exercise
Indian jet shootdown: the all-robot legion behind China’s PL-15E missiles
China Unveils Advanced AI Surveillance Tools at 12th Police Equipment Expo
Japan's Three Major Banks Report Record High Net Profits for Second Consecutive Year
The Chinese Dragon: The True Winner in the India-Pakistan Clash
China Rebukes US Trade War Tactics Amid Ongoing Tensions
Australia's Venomous Creatures Contribute to Life-Saving Antivenom Programme
NVIDIA to Open R&D Center in China as Shanghai Promises Tax Incentives
The Spanish Were Right: Long Working Hours Harm Brain Function
Did Former FBI Director Call for Violence Against Trump? Instagram Post Sparks Uproar
US and UAE Partner to Develop Massive AI Data Center Complex
Apple's $95 Million Siri Settlement: Eligible Users Have Until July 2 to File Claims
Surge in Visa-Free Entries Boosts International Tourism to Shenzhen
This Kenyan reporter trying to keep a straight face
Strong Warning Issued: Do Not Use General Chatbots for Medical, Legal, or Educational Guidance
U.S. FDA to Remove Oral Fluoride Supplements for Children Amid Gut Health Concerns
Kim Kardashian Testifies in Paris Robbery Trial, Tells Gang Leader: 'I Forgive You'
NVIDIA and Saudi Arabia Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish AI Centers
Why Saudi Arabia Rolled Out a Purple Carpet for Donald Trump Instead of Red
Nissan Plans to Cut Over 10,000 Additional Jobs Worldwide
Trump says it would be 'stupid' not to accept gift of Qatari plane
8-Year-Old Orders 70,000 Lollipops Using Mother’s Phone, Prompting $4,200 Amazon Bill and Viral Facebook Plea
Quantum Computing Threatens Bitcoin Security
Michael Jordan to Serve as Analyst for NBA Games
American citizens account for 70% of worldwide pharmaceutical sales despite comprising only 4% of global population
US and China Agree to Reduce Tariffs by 115% in Bilateral Trade Deal
Early Vote Count Favors Allies of Vice President Sara Duterte in Philippine Senate Elections
Zelenskyy Seeks Ceasefire as Putin Proposes Direct Talks in Turkiye
U.S. and China Reach Preliminary Trade Agreement Amid Ongoing Tensions
Macau's Renowned 'House of Dancing Water' Relaunches with a Modern Makeover
Rodrigo Duterte Awaits Trial at The Hague. Next week he might be elected mayor of his hometown
Trump says U.S. and China negotiated "total reset" in tariff talks
Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV, Marking a Historic Papacy
Trump, in a major concession, says the tariff on China should be 80% — but will leave it up to Bessent
India-Pakistan conflict may be first test for Chinese military tech
Philippines Reports First Case of H5N9 Bird Flu Virus
Bill Gates Announces Plan to Wind Down Philanthropic Foundation and Disperse Wealth
First From China: Zhao Xintong Wins the Snooker World Championship
Common Sense Returns to Britain's Legal System: UK Supreme Court Declares a Woman Is… a Woman
EU Hits TikTok with €530 Million Fine Over China Data Transfers
Beijing Says U.S. Is ‘Reaching Out’ for Tariff Talks Amid Soaring Trade Tensions
×