Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church and the first pontiff from the United States is scheduled to celebrate his inaugural Mass in the Sistine Chapel today at 11:00 local time (09:00 GMT, 10:00 BST), signifying the official commencement of his papal ministry.
Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, the 68-year-old former missionary and Archbishop in Peru made history yesterday by becoming the first North American to be elected pope.
Recognized as a reform-oriented leader with a profound pastoral background, Leo XIV’s appointment has garnered widespread attention and acclaim globally. U.S. President Donald Trump characterized his election as a “great honor,” reflecting national pride in the first American to ascend to the papacy.
In Peru, where Leo XIV dedicated years to serving the poor and marginalized, many expressed pride in his elevation; however, some observers caution that he will encounter significant challenges, including enduring concerns regarding the Church’s management of sexual abuse cases.
In a statement, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed hope that the new Pope would “continue to bring the Church closer to the poor and disadvantaged,” adding that the Filipino people were praying for the pontiff’s strength and health.
“May his life and ministry inspire us to persevere in our daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ,” he stated. Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives, Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, also praised Pope Leo XIV’s message of peace and compassion, noting that it “resonates deeply with the Filipino faithful.”
He called for unity in prayer, adding: “The challenges before the world are great, but so too is the light that now shines from Rome. May Pope Leo XIV guide us toward peace, healing, and renewed faith.
The election of Leo XIV has generated a sense of measured hope among reform proponents within the Church, who perceive his background in missionary work and experience in Latin America as indicators of a pastoral strategy that is responsive to the requirements of the global south.
His upcoming Mass in the Sistine Chapel is anticipated to attract worldwide interest, serving as a symbolic commencement of what many aspire to be a transformative papacy.
