St. Matthew holds celebratory mass after Robert Prevost confirmed as newest Pope
BALLANTYNE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Parishioners around the world are celebrating the newly installed American leader of the Roman Catholic Church — Pope Leo XIV.
One of the special masses was Friday night at Saint Matthew in Ballantyne.
'Through the ministry of Peter, you have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission,' said new American Pope Leo XIV while leading his first mass at the Vatican a day after his election to the papacy.
Just like the followers who cheered and greeted the newest bishop of Rome, followers in Charlotte are celebrating as well.
'What so many people find fascinating about what has transpired in the last few days is the power of the holy spirit to blow across this earth to draw us ever closer to one another and to Christ. Are we seizing this moment?' said Bishop Michael Martin.
The Pope — originally named Robert Prevost — is sharing a message of love and unity, drawing people closer to Christ through humanity.
At Friday night's mass in Ballantyne, Bishop Michael Martin of the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte told parishioners this is the time to recommit themselves to their religion.
'But realizing that you've given me certain gifts to be able to think and understand to agree with or disagree with not so that I can create division, but that I can foster unity. That's why we've been given a shepherd. Leo, Francis, Benedict. John Paul. John Paul. Paul. John… I just don't want to count 266,' Bishop Martin laughed.
He left parishioners with Pope Leo's first words.
'Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid. We are meant for this moment,' he said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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