Less than a day after becoming the first American pope, Leo XIV will celebrate his inaugural Mass Friday in the Sistine Chapel, offering the world its first liturgical glimpse into his papacy.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, the 69-year-old was elected Thursday after a swift conclave, marking a historic moment for the global Church. Nicknamed the “Latin Yankee” for his two decades of missionary work in Peru, Leo XIV is seen as a bridge between continents and ideologies.
Though made a cardinal only in 2023, his mix of pastoral humility, cultural fluency, and Vatican leadership earned him support as a unifying figure. His election signals continuity with Pope Francis’s inclusive reforms—tempered by a softer tone.
In his first address, he urged the faithful to “build bridges through dialogue,” echoing his predecessor’s emphasis on peace and unity.
Reactions poured in globally—from jubilant Chicago neighborhoods to the streets of Lima—while leaders, including President Biden and Donald Trump, praised the milestone.
As the Church faces internal rifts and global crises, Leo XIV’s early steps—including Sunday’s Regina Coeli and Monday’s media address—will be closely watched for signs of how he plans to lead a Church in transition.
