In an atmosphere of recollection and solemnity, Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Mass as Successor of Peter in the Sistine Chapel, accompanied by the College of Cardinals. During the celebration, the new Pontiff delivered a profound homily focused on the core of the Christian faith: the confession of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of the living God.
“ Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wonderful things ,” the Pope began, quoting the psalm of the day, before inviting the cardinals—and by extension the entire Church—to recognize God’s wonders, also in the present. “ You have called me to carry this cross ,” he stated simply, alluding to the weight of the Petrine ministry, “ and I know I can count on each and every one of you to walk with me .”
The homily, which combined a pastoral style with theological and biblical references, revolved around Peter's famous profession of faith: " You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God " (Mt 16:16). Leo XIV emphasized that these words contain " the gift of God and the path to be followed ," and underlined the Church's mission to proclaim this faith to the entire world, even in hostile or indifferent contexts.
The new Pontiff offered a critical and hopeful reading of contemporary reality. He noted that many current environments tend to ridicule or marginalize the Christian faith, presenting Jesus as an irrelevant figure or, at best, as an admirable but merely human figure. “ And yet, precisely for this reason, these are places where the mission is most urgent ,” he declared.
Clearly and unambiguously, Leo XIV exhorted believers to renew their confession of faith with a daily, communal conversion. “ This is fundamental, first of all, in our personal relationship with Him ,” he affirmed, insisting that the Church cannot abandon bringing the Good News of the Gospel to the world.
In the final part of his homily, the Holy Father made a moving allusion to his new role as Bishop of Rome, quoting the martyr St. Ignatius of Antioch and evoking the need to disappear so that Christ may be glorified: “ Make yourself small so that He may be known and glorified… spend yourself to the end so that no one may lack the opportunity to know and love Him .”
Finally, he concluded his address by entrusting his pontificate to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, asking for the grace to be a faithful servant of the Gospel " today and always ." With this first homily, Leo XIV reveals the tone of his pontificate: centered on Christ, on the courageous witness of faith, and on humble service to the People of God.