Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass, Embracing ‘Latin Yankee’ Identity

 Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, celebrated his first Mass as the 267th pontiff in the Sistine Chapel, a day after his election on May 8. The 69-year-old American, the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years, addressed cardinals and pilgrims, calling for a “Church of dialogue” rooted in peace and service.

His choice of the name Leo, honoring Pope Leo XIII’s social justice legacy, and his nickname “Latin Yankee”—reflecting his Chicago upbringing and decades as a missionary in Peru—underscore his unique blend of North and Latin American perspectives. The Mass, attended by 133 cardinal-electors, marked the start of his papacy amid the 2025 Jubilee, expecting 30 million pilgrims.

Prevost, an Augustinian priest ordained in 1982, served as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops since 2023. His election followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21, with the conclave resolving tensions between progressive and conservative factions. In his homily, he emphasized evangelization, synodality, and addressing global challenges like poverty, affecting 9.2% of the world’s population, and climate change, with 2024’s global temperatures 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The Vatican plans to leverage AI-driven tools, like virtual tours of St. Peter’s Basilica, to engage 1.4 billion Catholics.

The first Mass included prayers for unity, with Prevost pledging to continue Francis’ reforms while navigating issues like women’s roles and clergy abuse, which has impacted 6% of U.S. Catholics per 2024 surveys. His Peruvian experience informs his focus on indigenous communities, with 12% of Latin America’s population identifying as indigenous. 

The Vatican has scheduled his first international trip to Peru in August 2025, signaling a papacy prioritizing the Global South, where 60% of Catholics reside. His leadership is seen as a bridge between tradition and modernity, with 70 million U.S. Catholics celebrating a historic milestone.