VATICAN CITY — On Friday, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass, reflecting on the heavy responsibility and honor of his election as the first American pope in history. As more insights emerged about the swift voting process leading to his papacy, Cardinals shared their experiences of the historic conclave.
In discussions following the election on Thursday, cardinals expressed surprise at the rapidity with which the votes aligned for Leo, given his American roots. Traditionally, there has been hesitation to elect a U.S. pope because of the country’s global influence. However, Cardinal Fernando Natalio Chomalí Garib from Chile hailed the decision as a “miracle of the Holy Spirit,” signifying unity among cardinals from 70 nations.
During the Friday Mass in the Sistine Chapel, Leo addressed the cardinal electors, noting the weight of the cross they’ve asked him to bear and the joyful mission of spreading Christianity worldwide despite challenges it faces. He emphasized the importance of community and faith, calling upon them to join him in announcing the Gospel.
The schedule for the new pope includes meetings with cardinals on Saturday, followed by delivering his first public blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, with his official installation planned for May 18.
At a briefing by American cardinals, there were mixed responses regarding Leo’s nationality. Prior to their arrival, patriotic American songs played, yet some cardinals downplayed his U.S. citizenship, focusing on his missionary work in Peru and his new identity as pope. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, referencing the change in identity, stated that Robert Francis Prevost is now Pope Leo.
Nevertheless, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, a close acquaintance of Leo’s, anticipated that the pope would remain true to his longstanding values. Tobin recalled warning Leo of the papal possibility before the voting commenced, highlighting a poignant moment when Prevost appeared contemplative before Michelangelo’s famous painting “The Last Judgment.”
As Leo embarks on his papacy, the cardinals urged patience from the faithful while he adjusts to this new chapter. Already hinting at possible directions, women played a role in his inaugural Mass, reading Scriptures, reflecting his potential continuation of Pope Francis’s progressive reforms regarding women’s roles in the church.
Speaking eloquently in Italian, Leo lamented that Christianity is often misconstrued or marginalized in modern society where materialism and shallow successes prevail. He critiqued the reduction of Jesus to merely a charismatic figure and raised concerns about widespread practical atheism and societal decay.
Concluding the Mass, the cardinals applauded, appreciating the simplicity of Leo’s black shoes, reminiscent of Pope Francis’s decision to forgo traditional red papal footwear. Further diverging from tradition, Leo spent his first night in the Sant’Uffizio Palace rather than the usual Apostolic Palace.
During the preconclave discussions, Leo’s modest and approachable demeanor stood out rather than grand speeches. Though Italian often dominated previous conclaves, English played a significant role in the discussions leading to his election, showcasing his ability to engage in comfortable conversations and build bridges.
Cardinal Reinhard Marx acknowledged Leo’s wide-ranging experience in Latin America and his linguistic skills, which impressed many during the conclave. Marx’s favorable encounter with Leo led him to view the American as a fitting choice for leadership, noting his ability to listen and bridge divides.