Pope Leo XIV, the first North American pontiff in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history, delivered his first private homily with cardinals at the Vatican on Friday, a day after his historic election.

The newly elected pope, formerly U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost, celebrated a private mass at the Sistine Chapel alongside the 130 cardinals who elected him.

The service, broadcast live by the Vatican, was marked by the cardinals and pope all wearing white—a symbol of unity and fraternity.

Pope Leo XIV addressed the cardinals in Italian, Latin, and English, emphasizing collaboration in spreading the Gospel.

"I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a Church, as a community of friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the good news," he said.

He expressed hope that his election would help the Church illuminate "the dark nights of this world" and lamented that faith is often seen as "absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent." The pope also highlighted the need for missionary work in societies consumed by "technology, money, success, power, or pleasure."

The 69-year-old Chicago-born pontiff, who holds dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship, succeeds the late Pope Francis. Analysts describe him as a bridge between conservative and reformist factions in the Church.

World leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, congratulated Leo XIV. Trump called his election "a Great Honor for our Country." However, as a cardinal, Prevost had criticized hardline immigration policies, opposing rhetoric that "demonizes immigrants."

Tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday as Leo XIV made his first appearance, advocating for "peace" and "unity." Observers expect him to play a mediating role in global conflicts while addressing divisions within the Church.

As the first pope from the Americas, Leo XIV leads 1.4 billion Catholics into an era marked by both continuity and new challenges.