Pope Leo XIV gave his inaugural Homily, marking his first significant sermon since being elected as the successor to St. Peter by Cardinals University on May 8th.
The former Cardinal Robert F. from Chicago emerged from the Conclave as Pope Leo XIV on Thursday and expressed his gratitude, making this speech his first major public address since becoming the first pope from America.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y6a1ule7za
Below is the full text of the Holy Man’s address as translated by the Vatican:
I’ll begin in English, followed by Italian.
I’d like to remind everyone of a line from a poem: “I have mostly made a marvel, so I will mostly sing a new song.”
This is not solely about me, but about all of us. My Brother Cardinals encourage us to celebrate the wonders the Lord has created and the blessings He continues to share with us through Peter’s mission.
You have entrusted me with this cross and this mission, and I know I can count on all of you to support me.
[Continued in Italian]
“You are Christ, the living Son of God” (Matt. 16:16). Here, Peter, representing the other disciples, expresses his faith as requested by the Master, ensuring the Church’s perseverance across two millennia through apostolic succession.
Jesus is indeed Christ, revealing God’s face to us. He shows Himself through the innocent eyes of children, lively thoughts of youth, and the wisdom of adulthood (see Gaudium and Spas, 22), enabling men and women to connect with Him and finally appearing to the disciples in His glorious form. He provided us with a model of sacred humanity, promising a destiny that transcends our limitations.
Peter’s understanding of this response is crucial. It’s the journey we must undertake to embrace God’s gifts and transform ourselves through them. These two aspects of salvation are inseparable and are entrusted to the Church for humanity’s benefit. They are bestowed upon us before our formation and renewed through baptism.
In a sense, God has called me to inherit the role of the Prince of the Apostles, entrusting me with this treasure. I am here to be a beacon of hope, navigating through history as a source of salvation, not because of architectural grandeur but through the sanctity of its members, who God has chosen as His own. We are to proclaim the marvelous works that draw us from darkness into His light (see 1 Pet 2:9).
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevast will lead the first Holy Mass with Pope Leo XIV on May 9, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel following the Conclave in Vatican City. (Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool)
Peter affirms his faith by responding to key questions: “Who do you say the Son of Man is?” (MT 16:13). This inquiry is significant and relates deeply to our ministry’s core: the world we inhabit, its limitations and potential, its connections, and its beliefs.
In reflecting on this scene, we can discern two distinct responses—each revealing different attitudes.
First is the broader societal view. Matthew tells us that this conversation between Jesus and His disciples occurs in Caesarea Philippi, a town of beauty yet rife with power struggles and betrayal. This setting indicates a world that might regard Jesus as inconsequential, seeing Him as merely a storyteller or performer. When faced with moral challenges, this worldview often dismisses Him.
On the other hand, there are voices from ordinary individuals who view the Nazarene not as a charlatan but as a moral figure, a man likened to Israel’s revered prophets. They follow Him, at least while it’s convenient, but abandon Him in times of peril.
What’s compelling about these two perspectives is their relevance today. They resonate with attitudes that, though different in expression, are frequently echoed in our modern selves.
Even now, many consider the Christian faith as naïve, a stance for the weak amid preferences for technology, wealth, and power.
In such environments, sharing the gospel truth becomes challenging, often met with scorn or indifference. Yet, this is where our mission is most essential. The decline of faith often leads to a crisis of meaning, accompanied by disregard for mercy, violations of human dignity, family disintegration, and many other societal wounds.
Today, while Jesus is often respected, He can be perceived merely as a charismatic leader or influencer, a view held by both non-believers and many within the baptized community.
This is the world entrusted to us, and as Pope Francis frequently emphasizes, we are called to embody and express our faith in our Savior, Jesus. Thus, it’s vital we join Peter in affirming: “You are Christ, the living Son of God” (Matt. 16:16).
This begins with a personal relationship with Him and is marked by daily conversion efforts. As a community, we ought to embody our faith together and share good news with all (see Lumen Gentium, 1).
As I embrace my role as Bishop of Rome, I recall St. Ignatius of Antioch’s wisdom. He urged Christians in Rome to reflect on their commitment, urging those in positions of authority within the Church to diminish themselves so that Christ may shine forth (see Jn 3:30), dedicating themselves fully to make Him known and loved.
May God grant me this grace, now and forever, through the loving guidance of Mary, the mother of the Church.
