Pope Leo XIV has taken the reins as leader of the Catholic Church, starting his first day as Pontiff with a mass at the Sistine Chapel, during which he called his election both a cross and a blessing.

Pope Leo XIV gives his homily while celebrating his first Mass as pope with the cardinals who elected him in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican May 9, 2025. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Leo XIV will officially inaugurate his papacy with Mass in St. Peter’s Square May 18.