"Regrettable That Society Prefers Defenses Like Money and Power Over Faith"
On May 9 (local time), the new Pope Leo XIV delivered a message during his first Mass at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, attended by cardinals, calling on the Roman Catholic Church to "illuminate the dark night of this world."
According to foreign media outlets such as the British daily The Guardian, Leo XIV began his first homily in English and then switched to Italian, expressing his hope that the Church would "be able to light up the dark night of this world."
He also stated that he would serve as the Church's "faithful steward" and that the Church should be judged not by the "grandeur of its buildings" but by the holiness of its members. He made it clear that he would stand on the side of "ordinary people" and oppose the wealthy and the powerful.
Leo XIV explained that while the rich dismissed Jesus as an uncomfortable fanatic, ordinary people saw Jesus not as a fraud but as an honest person?courageous, eloquent, and someone who spoke the truth. However, when circumstances became difficult, they too abandoned Jesus, and for his first disciples, Jesus was "just a man," so when he was crucified, they became disillusioned and left.
Leo XIV said this is exactly what is happening today, pointing out that in various sectors?including mass media, popular culture, government elites, academia, and Silicon Valley?Christian faith is regarded as something "for the foolish, the weak, and the unintelligent." He also expressed regret, quoting Saint Augustine, about an environment that favors "other defenses such as technology, money, success, power, and pleasure."
Leo XIV emphasized, "In such an environment, it is not easy to proclaim the Gospel and bear witness to its truth. Believers are mocked, opposed, and despised, or at best, met with tolerance and pity. But it is precisely for this reason that our missionary activity is desperately needed."
The New York Times reported that, through his first homily, Leo XIV showed his determination to make the proclamation of the Gospel his top priority in this hostile environment, continuing in close continuity with Pope Francis.
The inaugural Mass for Leo XIV will be held at St. Peter's Square on May 18. The first general audience is scheduled for May 21.
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