On Tuesday, May 7, Pope Leo XIV led his first Mass after being elected to the Apostolic See. The liturgy took place in the Sistine Chapel, where just days earlier the cardinals had gathered for the conclave to choose the new pontiff. Central to Leo XIV’s address were humility, collective service, and spiritual unity. Speaking to the cardinals present at the service, the Pope emphasized the importance of supporting one another in fulfilling the shared mission of the Catholic Church, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing The Guardian.
Leo XIV expressed gratitude to the conclave members for their trust and stressed that his new role should not be viewed as one of power, but of service. In his homily, he referenced a passage from the Gospel where the disciples argued over who among them was the greatest. The Pope reminded them that Christ demonstrated a path not of dominance, but of sacrificial love. According to the pontiff, this principle should form the foundation of their ministry.
The newly elected head of the Catholic Church also placed special focus on unity and mutual trust. In his words, the cardinals should not only be brothers in status but in spirit — able to listen, forgive, and support each other. He noted that the Church’s mission today demands deep humility, faith, and readiness to serve every person, regardless of their background or position.
The liturgy in the Sistine Chapel was a significant spiritual act marking the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Catholic Church. Like his predecessors, Leo XIV began his pontificate with a symbolic gesture of unity and a message to those who are to be his closest collaborators in carrying out a great pastoral mission.
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