Timmerie shared a deeply moving recap of Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural homily, delivered in his unmistakable Illinois-accented English — a first for the papacy. The new Holy Father opened not with grandiosity but with humble, heartfelt words: “You have called me to carry that cross… I know I can rely on each and every one of you… as a community of friends of Jesus.” It was an invitation to walk alongside him as brothers and sisters in Christ, setting the tone for a papacy rooted in humility and unity.

Pope Leo XIV’s homily was steeped in Scripture and the wisdom of the saints. Centering his message around St. Peter’s profession of faith from Matthew 16, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”, the Pope challenged every believer to make that declaration a daily prayer. Timmerie highlighted how this theme of identifying Christ as the true center of life is both a simple yet profound call to deepen our faith.

Pope Leo XIV drew a clear distinction between two common attitudes toward Jesus: the fair-weather fan, who likes Christ’s teachings until they require moral clarity, and the casual believer, who acknowledges Jesus as a good prophet but not as the Lord. He then asked the pointed question: Which one are you? The challenge was clear — discipleship isn’t a part-time job; it requires total surrender.

Quoting St. Ignatius of Antioch, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the call to become true disciples by disappearing into Christ, allowing Him to be seen instead of us. He concluded by invoking Mary, Mother of the Church, entrusting his papacy to her intercession. Timmerie noted how this Marian focus aligns with Pope Leo’s deep, lifelong devotion to Our Lady, echoing the example of previous popes who placed their ministry under her protection.

For Timmerie, this homily wasn’t just an introduction to Pope Leo XIV; it was an invitation to rediscover Christ through the eyes of Peter. She urged listeners to read the full homily, reflect on its call to discipleship, and join Pope Leo XIV in proclaiming daily: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”