Pope Leo Celebrates His First Mass in the Sistine Chapel
Pope Leo XIV, May 9, 2025. X/ @PiQSuite
May 9, 2025 Hour: 8:01 am
The opening chant and prayers were in Latin, but the first two readings were in English and Spanish.
On Friday, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel wearing black shoes, just as Pope Francis did during his pontificate, also abandoning the tradition of red shoes worn by previous popes.
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The opening chant and prayers were in Latin, but the first two readings were in English and Spanish—the languages of the new pope—and the psalm was in Italian. In addition, two nuns were chosen to read the Scriptures in the Sistine Chapel before the members of the College of Cardinals.
“You have called me to carry a cross,” were the first words spoken in English by Pope Leo XIV, who also entered the Sistine Chapel with the pastoral cross made for Benedict XVI and later used by Francis in these ceremonies. As he exited the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals bid him farewell with a strong round of applause.
The new pope’s first outing took place last night, when he visited the residence where he used to live in the Palace of the Holy Office, just a few meters from the Vatican entrance, to greet some employees and neighbors, take selfies with them, and even sign a book for a young girl.
“I still need to perfect the signature,” joked Prevost—who will turn 70 in September—when a little girl handed him a book to sign as Leo XIV in the courtyard of the Palace of the Holy Office.
Leo XIV got out of a dark car and greeted all those gathered around him, including a couple from Guadalajara, Mexico. He then gave a blessing to everyone present.
While more details are awaited about the new pontiff and the date of the inaugural Mass—which will be attended by delegations and heads of state from around the world—Pope Leo XIV’s agenda currently includes praying the Regina Coeli on Sunday.
This Marian prayer will be recited from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, from where he was introduced to the world as Leo XIV. Meanwhile, on May 12, he will hold an audience with all members of the media in Paul VI Hall.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE
