Pope Leo XIV: The Rise of a New Era in the Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his inaugural Mass on Friday at the Sistine Chapel, highlighting the perils of faith's absence and envisioning the Catholic Church as a guiding light for the world's 'dark nights.' The former Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first U.S. pope, was elected to succeed Pope Francis just one day prior.

Dressed in white and gold vestments, Leo—who hails from Chicago and spent two decades as a missionary in Peru—began his address in English before switching to Italian. He expressed his vision for the Church, aiming to be a 'faithful administrator' for its global community of 1.4 billion Catholics.

The swift election concluded a two-day conclave, with the new pontiff facing challenges such as budget shortfalls and calls for increased inclusivity. U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated the new pope, a move notable because Leo has previously criticized Trump and Vice President JD Vance's policies. Despite his reserved nature, Leo's past work suggests a commitment to social justice akin to Pope Leo XIII, after whom he is named.

(With inputs from agencies.)