Pope Leo XIV's First Homily: A Call to Missionary Outreach for Ordinary People

Tue Oct 21 2025 21:51:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In his inaugural Mass, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the importance of connecting with the marginalized and healing societal wounds.

During his first Mass as pope, Leo XIV calls for a missionary focus from the Catholic Church, addressing issues of human dignity and the importance of outreach to ordinary people while setting the stage for potential changes in church direction.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born head of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered his inaugural Mass in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, 2025. Addressing the cardinals who elected him, the new pontiff emphasized a vision centered on “ordinary people,” firmly positioning himself in opposition to the elite and affluent. His homily, rich in theological insights, highlighted the urgent need for “missionary outreach” to heal the deep social wounds that plague contemporary society.

This pivotal first sermon came after an impressive papal election, marking a significant moment in church history as Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, took charge of a global congregation of 1.4 billion faithful. Reflecting on the loss of religious faith contributing to widespread “violations of human dignity,” he urged the church to regain its focus on serving those overlooked by society.

The pontiff, who previously served as a bishop in Peru, drew heavily from the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He noted the challenges faced by Christianity today, as faith is often dismissed as a trait of the weak, and called for Christians to embody their beliefs in action.

Hours after his election, Leo XIV expressed the desire to “build bridges” and foster outreach amongst the marginalized, conveying a commitment to addressing contemporary issues including the urgent rights of workers—a nod to the teachings of Pope Leo XIII in his encyclical “Rerum Novarum.” As speculation grows regarding reorganizational reforms within the church, he signaled a continuation of Francis's emphasis on inclusivity, notably the concept of a “synodal church,” inviting broader participation in church policy discussions.

In parallel to his spiritual addresses, the new pope's uniquely American roots have also sparked interest within the U.S., with communities reflecting on his ties to Chicago and his dedication to marginal populations in Peru. His first act post-Mass included a blessing for individuals near the Vatican, showcasing an intent to connect with everyday people.

As Pope Leo XIV steps into his new role, he faces an array of pressing contemporary controversies surrounding gender, LGBTQ+ rights, clerical celibacy, and more—all issues the church has grappled with in recent years. His careful union of traditional values with progressive outreach has set a hopeful tone for the future of the Catholic Church.

The formal inauguration Mass is scheduled for May 18 in St. Peter's Square, where the pope will further outline his vision for the global Catholic community.