In his first public message following his election as the 267th Pope, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV called upon the College of Cardinals to bear witness with joyful faith to Christ, reminding them that without such faith, life loses its meaning.
Celebrating Mass with the cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel where he was elected by a two-thirds majority on the fourth ballot Thursday afternoon Pope Leo XIV delivered a homily rooted in hope, mission, and the enduring call to discipleship.
Reflecting on the example of St. Peter, the first Pope, the Holy Father spoke of the patrimony made possible by persistent faith in the Lord, which the Church has preserved and handed on through apostolic succession for two thousand years.
He urged his fellow cardinals to follow Peter’s model, cultivating a personal and deepening relationship with Christ.
You have called me to carry that cross, and to carry out that mission, he said, and I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me, as we continue as a Church, as a community of friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the Good News, to announce the Gospel.
The solemn Mass and address took place in the very chapel where centuries of conclave history were once again honored with the selection of a new Bishop of Rome.
By Vatican
9th May 2025
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