Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass in Sistine Chapel as First American Pontiff

First Mass as Pontiff

• 🕊️ Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first mass as pontiff on Friday in the Sistine Chapel, less than 24 hours after his election.
• 🗣️ He delivered his homily in both his native English and Italian, praying for his papacy to be a beacon of light.

Historic Election and Background

• 😮 The election of the 267th Pope was a surprise choice, making him the first US-born pontiff.
• 🇺🇸 Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost) also holds Peruvian citizenship due to his two decades as a missionary there.
• 🗓️ He was elected at the end of a swift, 2-day conclave, having only been made a cardinal in 2023.

Papal Name and Social Justice Clues

• 🧐 The choice of the name Leo XIV offers clues to his potential focus, referencing Pope Leo XIII.
• ⚖️ Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) was known for his focus on social justice issues and is credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.