Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first mass as leader of the world's Roman Catholics. He prayed that the church could serve as a "beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world."



The first-ever American to serve in the role began in English, before switching to Italian, in his homily at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.



He said, "As we celebrate this morning, I invite you to recognize the marvels that the Lord has done, the blessings that the Lord continues to pour out upon all of us."



People in the US are excited about the first American pope.
A man in Chicago said, "I would like him to continue the Pope Francis legacy, open minded, helping poor, avoiding wars." And a woman in Los Angeles said, "I think it's a good sign, and I think that hopefully this country will be able to move on calmly and peacefully."



Seventeen years ago, the new pope visited Nagasaki, the site of the second atomic bombing in World War II. Father Michael Hilden, from Shiroyama Catholic Church there, had met him. "Even back then, the new pope stressed the need for peace in his address," he said, "I believe he will call for a world without nuclear weapons."



Experts say he took the name Leo as a symbolic reference to Pope Leo XIII from the early 20th century. He was known for not only serving Catholics, but for also trying to connect with people outside the faith. And he was also dedicated to protecting workers' rights and other social justice issues.



Professor Matsumoto Saho, an expert on the papacy and international politics at Nihon University, said, "The new pope's claim to be a successor to Leo XIII demonstrates his intention to protect workers and those with lower social standing."



She added, "Popes are expected to help bring stability to the world, so the new pope was chosen on that expectation that he will achieve that goal."