Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the need for the Church to combat 'wavering faith' during his first mass as Pope.
In the heart of Rome, the 267th pope, Robert Francis Prevost, hailing from the vibrant streets of Chicago, stepped into the spotlight on May 8, 2025, as he was chosen by fellow cardinals in the historic Sistine Chapel. This American-born clergy member, part of the Augustinian Order, spent two decades of his ministry in Peru, fostering a rich spiritual connection with the South American continent.
Addressing the assemblage of cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, Leo, the new pope, spoke of the challenges faced by preaching the Gospel in today's world. He went on to express his concern for places where believers face mockery, opposition, or indifference, emphasizing the urgent need for Christian outreach to such areas[1].
Michelangelo's famous fresco, "The Last Judgment," loomed behind Leo as he addressed the assembled cardinals. Conveying a message resonant with citizens of faith, he touched upon the loss of purpose, dismissal of mercy, and degradation of human dignity in the absence of faith[2].
In a nod to evangelical Christians, Leo sternly cautioned against relegating Jesus to a caricature of a charismatic leader or invincible figure[1]. "This hollow representation is not confined to non-believers but permeates the ranks of baptized Christians, resulting in a de facto state of practical atheism," he clarified.
Breaking away from his prepared script, Leo warmly addressed his fellow cardinals in English, expressing his faith in their dedication and urging them to walk the path of wisdom with him[1]. His heartfelt message of unity and common purpose echoed the sentiments of the multitude of captivated spectators around the world.
Raised in the busy streets of Chicago, Leo is fondly remembered by locals for his love of baseball, deep-dish pizza, and his working-class South Side neighborhood[4]. Meanwhile, in Peru, where he spent a considerable part of his ministry, his friends and colleagues reminisced about his close connection with the people and his commitment to missionary work[4].
In his inaugural remarks, Leo mirrored the sentiments of his predecessor, Francis, by advocating for peace and an active, outreach-focused Church. Recognizing that the world faces many challenges, he called on followers of Christ to come together, build bridges, and nurture a spirit of unity and hardiness[2].
With Pope Leo XIV’s ascension, the Catholic Church embarks on a new era of leadership. Expectations are high as the pontiff is tasked with upholding the moral values of the Church and addressing pressing global issues head-on, while fostering a renewed sense of unity within the Church itself. Known for his extensive missionary experience, Leo is poised to bring a fresh perspective to social justice and evangelism[3].
In the midst of the global, diverse citizenry, the United States Congress debated the implications of Pope Leo XIV's general-news-worthy address, emphasizing unity and Christian outreach. Concurrently, scholars of various academic departments across American universities gathered to examine the language and political repercussions of Leo's call for social justice and evangelism.
