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Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff and newly elected leader of the Catholic Church, is set to celebrate his inaugural Mass today in the historic Sistine Chapel at 11:00 local time (09:00 GMT, 10:00 BST), officially commencing his papal ministry.
Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, the 68-year-old former missionary and Archbishop of Peru made history on Thursday by becoming the first North American to be elected to the papacy. Known for his pastoral compassion and reformist leanings, Pope Leo XIV’s election has sparked both admiration and anticipation globally.
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the moment as a “great honour,” highlighting the pride felt across the United States. In Peru, where Leo XIV served among the poor and underserved, many voiced admiration for the pope’s humble and inclusive leadership style.
Despite widespread optimism, Pope Leo XIV assumes office amid persistent challenges, including the Catholic Church’s ongoing efforts to address sexual abuse scandals and rebuild trust worldwide.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr extended his heartfelt wishes, expressing confidence in the Pope’s ability to strengthen the Church’s outreach to the marginalized. “May his life and ministry inspire us to persevere in our daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
Speaker of the Philippine House, Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, echoed similar sentiments, praising the Pope’s message of peace and compassion. “The challenges before the world are great, but so too is the light that now shines from Rome,” he noted.
Reform advocates within the Church have also expressed cautious hope that Leo XIV’s Latin American experience and missionary work will shape a more inclusive and pastoral approach to global Catholic leadership.
