Pope Leo XIV’s First Message: A Call to Serve the Ordinary and Uplift Society

Tue Oct 21 2025 21:56:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

**Pope Leo XIV’s First Message: A Call to Serve the Ordinary and Uplift Society**

In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes a mission to assist ordinary people, echoing support for the marginalized. He draws from his past as a missionary in Peru, declaring a commitment to social outreach and healing societal wounds.

Pope Leo XIV champions a vision of a church attentive to the needs of the marginalized, acting as a messenger for ordinary people, and calls for unity in addressing social issues.

In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, delivered his first Mass as pontiff in front of a congregation filled with cardinals. His message was clear: he intends to stand alongside "ordinary people" while voicing his opposition to the rich and powerful. Addressing urgent social issues, Leo pledged to embark on a "missionary outreach" aimed at mending the "wounds that afflict our society."

Following his surprise election as the first U.S.-born pope, Leo acknowledged that his American identity played a lesser role in the conclave's decision. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David noted the pope's extensive service in Peru and commitment to migrants was more pivotal than his nationality. The pope's election encapsulates a unique moment within the American church, with some cardinals suggesting Leo will continue the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

During the inaugural Mass, which took place in the Sistine Chapel, Leo lamented a decline in religious faith, linking it to "appalling violations of human dignity." He urged unity and a concerted effort to revive a struggling society amid growing alienation.

As a friar in the Order of St. Augustine, Leo’s approach is anticipated to emphasize missionary work and communal decision-making, reflecting his experiences in Peru where he spent decades championing the needs of the poor and marginalized. He drew parallels between the challenges faced by Jesus and the modern-day struggles of believers surrounded by powerful societal structures.

Cardinals who attended the Mass reflected upon their sentiments of continuity with the prior papacy. They praised Leo's approach, suggesting he embodies a collaborative spirit reminiscent of Francis's leadership style. His previous roles within the Vatican further fortified his qualifications, according to many church leaders.

As Pope Leo XIV prepares for the road ahead, including addressing pressing matters such as migration, social justice, and the participation of laypeople in church discussions, he remains committed to lifting up the dignity of those cast aside. His call to adapt missionary practices underscores the church's mission to extend its outreach and emphasize compassion in an increasingly complex world.

In a heartfelt nod to his origins, Leo remarked on his cherished hometown of Chiclayo, where he served as a bishop, admitting that despite being U.S.-born, much of his heart resides in Peru amidst the communities he once guided. The Pope’s milestones will solidify expectations as he takes on the mantle of leadership for over 1.4 billion Catholics globally, reaffirming a path that intertwines faith with social activism.