Pope Leo XIV Steps Onto the World Stage. On Friday morning, Pope Leo spoke once more when he presided over his first mass as Pontiff. Dressed i

Pope Leo XIV , history’s first North American pope, said Friday that his election was both a cross and a blessing as he celebrated his first Mass in Sistine Chapel.

On Sunday, he will deliver his first noon blessing from the loggia of St. Peter’s and, on Monday, he is to attend an audience with the press.