Video: Pope Leo celebrates first mass as pontiff in Sistine Chapel

Abdullateef Fowewe

Pope Leo XIV officiated his inaugural Mass as pontiff in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, attended by the College of Cardinals, after being elected as the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church.

Chicago native Cardinal Robert Prevost dedicated many years to missionary work in Peru and later served as Bishop of Chiclayo before gaining prominence within the Vatican.

Video link: Pope Leo celebrates first mass as pontiff in Sistine Chapel

His quick election came to a conclusion on Thursday evening after a two-day conclave, celebrated with the familiar sight of white smoke indicating that a new pope had been elected.

Following the Mass, Pope Leo will have a private lunch with the cardinals who chose him. They will then depart for their home countries, leaving the new pope to confront numerous challenges, such as budget deficits, internal disagreements regarding LGBTQ inclusion, issues surrounding divorced Catholics, and the changing role of women in Church leadership.