Pope Leo XIV, the first North American pope in history, recently conducted his inaugural Mass as the pontiff at the Sistine Chapel. In a video released by the Associated Press, Pope Leo XIV mentioned that his election brought both challenges and blessings.
Pope Leo XIV was welcomed as the newest pontiff by a sea of faithful and an uninterrupted view of St. Peter’s Square on Thursday.
During his introduction to the public, Pope Leo, originally named Robert Francis Prevost, conversed in Italian and Spanish dialects. He greeted spectators in person and through virtual means with a brief address highlighting the importance of bridging gaps and nurturing hope within a synodal church.
Dennis Doyle, a retired professor from the University of Dayton in Ohio, noted that in his opening statements, the pope spoke about the significance of being an all-encompassing missionary church. This approach aligns with the teachings of Pope Francis, emphasizing inclusivity and outreach to all individuals.
Doyle taught at the Catholic research university for 40 years.
Pope Leo XIV leads the Pro Ecclesia Mass in the Sistine Chapel, on May 9, 2025, in Vatican City, Vatican. White smoke was seen over the Vatican early yesterday evening as the Conclave elected American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pontiff. The moderate from Chicago and a close friend of Pope Francis will be known as Pope Leo XIV. (Photo by Vatican Media/Vatican Pool – Corbis/Getty Images)
“It starts out with a condemnation of socialism,” Doyle said. “Although, by socialism, he meant what we would only use the word ‘communism’ today.”
“He condemned it as being out of touch with the natural law. Because that natural law would tell us that ownership is something that is kind of natural to human beings; that we’re going to have property, if we make things and so on, that they are ours,” Doyle added.
Doyle said that Catholic social teaching is general and addresses basic human principles about the economy and society with some room for interpretation.
“I think that he’s going to be a very balanced pope,” Doyle said.
