Newly elected Pope Leo XIV celebrates first mass

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV led his first mass as pope at the Sistine Chapel.

According to Report, the mass was broadcast live.

The service was conducted in several languages, including a reading of the First Epistle of Saint Peter in Spanish, the language spoken in Peru, where Cardinal Robert Prevo spent a decade before becoming Pope Leo XIV.

The pontiff made an unusual choice during his first mass – instead of using the traditional large altar in the Sistine Chapel, which would have placed his back to the cardinals, he decided to set up a different altar facing them directly.

Pope Leo XIV began his sermon in his native English, calling on the assembly of cardinals to "acknowledge the miracles performed by the Lord."

The sermon then continued in Italian, where the Pope vowed to be a faithful administrator of the Catholic Church.

"God has uniquely called me through your election to become the successor of the Prince of the Apostles and entrusted me with this treasure," he said.

He stated that the Catholic Church must continue its missionary work in the most remote corners of the world, which mirrors the priorities of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He emphasized that the Church, as part of its mission, should focus more on areas where there is a "lack of faith."

In concluding his sermon, Pope Leo XIV urged the clergy to become "small" so as not to overshadow the glory of Christ.