Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Mass on Friday (9) during which he uttered the homily, starting it in English.
He urged the Catholics to go beyond superficial faith and asked the priesthood to show humility and become “small” so as not to obscure the glory of Christ.
Here are the main highlights of the first day of Leo XIV as Pope:
First homily
Leo XIV celebrated the Mass in the Sistine Chapel today, along with the cardinals who elected it. During the homily, he promised to be a “faithful administrator” of the Catholic Church and pointed out that the church needs to continue its “missionary reach.”
Subtle messages
Leo XIV wore black shoes during Mass, just as Francis wore during his papacy, opting for simplicity. Popes traditionally use red moccasins. Instead of using the great traditional altar of the Sistine Chapel – one that would put him on his back to the cardinals – he also chose to set up an altar focused on them.
Details from the Conclave
Cardinal Joseph Tobin, a Newark archbishop, recalled the moment when Cardinal Robert Prevost accepted his election as a Pope. “It was not simply him saying ‘yes’ to a proposal,” he said. “God made something clear – and he agreed with that.” Two American cardinals also rejected the idea that the conclave elected Leo to act as a “counterweight” to US President Donald Trump.
The Pope’s older brother
John Prevost, brother of the pontiff, told the CNN That serving church is something that Pope Leo knew he wanted to do since he was a young age. He said he still talks to his brother daily and, as a family, “it is difficult” not to see him often. Prevost said he watched Leo’s announcement on TV and learned that “the story was made” at that time.
Family details
Prevost said his grandparents immigrated to the United States. His mother’s parents came from Haiti to New Orleans before moving to Chicago. Prevost said that as he grew up, the house was full of music and the culinary skills of his mother – something that Pope Lion shares.
Possession
Leo will be formally sworn in as a Pope on May 18, when he will celebrate his inaugural public mass in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican said. That morning there will be a special Mass in the Vatican to mark the beginning of the pontificate of Leo.
This content was originally published in Know how it was Pope Leo XIV’s first day as Pontiff on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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