Leo XIV: Petrine ministry is a cross and a blessing

The first U.S. pope makes his first public remarks in English.

Pope Leo XIV described the Petrine ministry as both a cross and a blessing as he celebrated the first Mass of his pontificate Friday in the Sistine Chapel, in the presence of the world’s cardinals.

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass with the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, 2025. Screenshot from @VaticanNews YouTube channel.

The first U.S.-born pope op…