BREAKING NEWS: Notre Dame Celebrates Pope Leo XIV with Special Mass
Notre Dame, May 9, 2025 — In a historic and spiritually enriching event, the University of Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart recently hosted a special Mass to celebrate Pope Leo XIV, the papacy of a man whose spiritual leadership and profound contributions to the Catholic Church remain pivotal even centuries after his death. The Mass, a significant occasion for the Notre Dame community, marks not only a celebration of Pope Leo XIV’s contributions but also underscores the strong ties between the university and the Catholic faith.
The special Mass, held on a sunny Saturday afternoon, drew numerous faculty, students, alumni, and visitors from across the globe. A powerful sense of unity filled the Basilica as the Notre Dame community gathered to honor Pope Leo XIV, whose papacy spanned from 1829 to 1849. This marked the first time that Notre Dame had commemorated the life and achievements of a pope in such a grand manner, and the Mass was a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Pope Leo XIV, born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, was one of the most influential pontiffs of the 19th century. Known for his commitment to social justice, his efforts to modernize the Church, and his role in the pivotal events of the time, Pope Leo XIV’s papacy played a central role in shaping the direction of the Catholic Church. It is no surprise that Notre Dame, a university built on the foundation of Catholic values, chose to honor his memory in such an important way.
Pope Leo XIV is perhaps best remembered for his advocacy for the poor and marginalized. His papacy was marked by a deep sense of compassion for the downtrodden, as he worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions of the impoverished, especially in Italy and beyond. His encyclical, Rerum Novarum, issued in 1891, remains a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching to this day, advocating for the rights of workers and condemning the exploitation of the working class by industrial capitalists.
Additionally, Pope Leo XIV was known for his reforms within the Catholic Church. His approach to doctrine, governance, and education sought to engage with the changing social landscape of the 19th century, all while upholding the core teachings of the Church. During his papacy, he worked to improve relations between the Church and various secular governments and was instrumental in shaping the Church’s role in the modern world.
His commitment to the Church’s educational mission was reflected in his support for universities and Catholic schools across Europe, which resonates deeply with Notre Dame’s own educational philosophy. The Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart thus became more than just a celebration of Pope Leo XIV’s life; it was a reminder of the importance of education, social justice, and faith in shaping the world for future generations.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame is no stranger to moments of spiritual significance. Its soaring spires and beautiful stained-glass windows have hosted countless Masses, weddings, and academic celebrations throughout the history of the university. The setting of the Mass in such a sacred space only added to the gravity of the occasion.
As the congregation entered the Basilica, they were greeted with the soft, haunting strains of the choir, whose voices reverberated through the vast interior. The sun streamed through the windows, casting multicolored light across the pews, creating a sense of divine presence. At the altar, a special portrait of Pope Leo XIV was prominently displayed, framed by golden candles that flickered in the quiet reverence of the moment.
The presence of the university’s clergy, including Father John Jenkins, President of Notre Dame, and Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego, further highlighted the significance of the Mass. Both men played pivotal roles in organizing the event, ensuring that it was both a spiritual and educational experience. Father Jenkins, who is known for his deep commitment to the Catholic mission of Notre Dame, offered the opening remarks, which were met with a warm and respectful silence.
“Pope Leo XIV’s legacy continues to inspire us today,” Father Jenkins said, addressing the congregation. “His vision of a Church that stands with the poor, that upholds the dignity of all people, and that seeks truth in the face of adversity is one that resonates with our mission here at Notre Dame. Today, we gather to honor him and reflect on how his teachings continue to shape our understanding of faith, justice, and the role of the Church in the world.”
The Mass itself was a deeply moving experience for all in attendance. The liturgy, crafted to highlight the themes of social justice, education, and faith, was led by Father Jenkins, with the assistance of other clergy members from the Notre Dame community. The Mass incorporated traditional Catholic rituals, including the reading of Scripture, the offering of prayers for peace, and the celebration of the Eucharist. Throughout the service, the readings and hymns were carefully chosen to reflect the values Pope Leo XIV held dear.
The first reading, taken from the Book of Isaiah, resonated deeply with the themes of justice and compassion central to Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. It spoke of a time when the oppressed would be lifted up, and peace would reign among all nations. This was followed by a reading from the Gospel of Matthew, in which Jesus speaks of caring for the poor and the marginalized—one of Pope Leo XIV’s core messages.
The homily, delivered by Father Thomas Doyle, a prominent theologian and professor at Notre Dame, was a moving reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s life and teachings. Father Doyle highlighted the pope’s emphasis on the dignity of the human person and the need for a just society.
“Pope Leo XIV saw the world around him changing rapidly, and yet, he remained steadfast in his belief that the Church must be a beacon of hope for those suffering in the world,” Father Doyle said. “He called on Catholics to stand with the marginalized, to seek justice for the oppressed, and to remember that every person, regardless of their social status, is created in the image of God.”
Father Doyle also spoke of the importance of education in Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. “Pope Leo XIV knew that true social change could only come through the power of knowledge and education,” he noted. “He understood that a society that fails to educate its people will inevitably fail to achieve justice.”
For the Notre Dame community, Pope Leo XIV’s celebration was not just a historical reflection, but also a reminder of the university’s ongoing mission to live out the values of the Catholic faith. The university’s commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and the service of others directly aligns with the principles Pope Leo XIV championed during his papacy.
The Mass provided an opportunity for students and faculty alike to reflect on how they can contribute to these values in their own lives. As Father Jenkins remarked, “Notre Dame was founded on the idea that faith and reason are not opposed, but complementary. Pope Leo XIV’s life reminds us that a true education is one that leads to both intellectual growth and moral responsibility.”
The celebration also included an invitation for reflection and action. The university announced that it would be dedicating a new scholarship fund in honor of Pope Leo XIV, aimed at providing financial support for students who are pursuing degrees in social justice, peace studies, and other fields that align with the pope’s vision of a more just world.
