Pope Leo XIV has celebrated mass with Cardinals at the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.
It’s his first service a day after his historic election.
A Tipperary Priest says Pope Leo has made a good first impression.
Fr Michael Toomey – Parish Priest of Ardfinnan and Newcastle – was in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis.
On Tipp Today earlier he told Fran Curry that the new Pontiff has a difficult task ahead of him.
“The first thing he said was peace be with you all and you can see it straight away that he has started his papacy with peace. He has called for unity – a missionary church. I think he has started exceptionally well.
“He was in Fethard 20 years ago so we are claiming him as one of our own you could say as well.
“But at the moment it is a joyous day for the Church and it’s a new beginning, a new chapter. And of course with that he has a big job – he has a Church that’s really you could say split. There’s a lot of issues need to be addressed – lack of vocations is one.”
