Pope Leo XIV begins ministry with a call to listen to one another and especially to God

Pope Leo XIV formally celebrated his first Mass as Bishop of Rome on the Sixth Sunday of Easter at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome. Addressing his new diocesan family, the Holy Father offered a homily centered on the Church's maternal mission and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

At the beginning of his homily, after greeting the cardinals, bishops, “dear priests,” and the beloved faithful, the Pope highlighted Rome’s deep spiritual legacy. He said, “Rome is the heir to a great history, grounded in the witness of Peter, of Paul, and of countless martyrs, and it has a unique mission, perfectly expressed by what is written on the façade of this cathedral: to be Mater ómnium Ecclesiarum, the Mother of all Churches.”

He explained that the Holy Spirit teaches the words of the Lord not through external instruction alone, but by engraving them deeply in the hearts of believers. This gift, he said, enables people to grow in faith and become “a letter of Christ” for others.

“And it’s truly like this: we are all the more capable of proclaiming the Gospel the more we allow ourselves to be conquered and transformed by Him, allowing the power of the Spirit to purify us in our innermost being, making our words simple and sincere, our desires honest and pure, and our actions generous.”

The Pope also recalled the teachings of Pope Francis, who often encouraged reflection on the maternal character of the Church. He quoted him as saying that the Church should be marked by tenderness, readiness for sacrifice, and a deep ability to listen. These qualities not only help the Church respond to people’s needs but also allow it to anticipate those needs even before they are expressed.

He emphasized that listening to others is important, but listening to the voice of God is even more essential. “These are qualities we hope will continue to grow within the People of God everywhere and here as well, in our great diocesan family: among the faithful, among the pastors, and, above all, within myself,” Pope Leo said.

Before heading to the cathedral, the Holy Father made a symbolic stop at Capitoline Hill, the historic seat of Rome’s civic and democratic institutions. He was welcomed by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and other city officials. The Pope thanked them for their warm reception and shared his hope that “Rome will always be distinguished by those values of humanity and civilization that draw their lifeblood from the Gospel.”

The celebration marked a significant beginning for Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral ministry in Rome. With a focus on interior renewal, gentleness, and attentive listening, his message outlined a vision of the Church rooted in Gospel values and compassionate leadership.