Pope Leo holds back tears during Consecration at Assumption Mass

A brief but powerful moment during a recent Mass has captured the hearts of many around the world: Pope Leo XIV, visibly moved, appeared to hold back tears as he lifted the host during the Consecration.

The moment came during the liturgy for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated Aug. 15 at Castel Gandolfo. As the camera lingers, the Pope swallows and pauses, his eyes filling with tears — his demeanor composed, but unmistakably affected.

Rita Buettner, writing for Catholic Review, described watching the clip several times. 

“It’s so moving to see Pope Leo get emotional during that powerful, miraculous part of the Mass,” she said. “It’s relatable, because seeing someone express emotion shows them being a little vulnerable. At the same time, it feels aspirational — to worship with your whole self at Mass, to love God that deeply, and to experience God’s love that fully in the moment.”

She added, “[S]eeing Pope Leo respond with emotion in that moment is a wonderful reminder that we are each invited to encounter Jesus today.”

The moment also came just a day before Pope Leo marked his 100th day in office. In a recent interview, his brother John Prevost reflected on the weight of the papacy.

“What people don’t know is that he’s taking this very seriously,” Prevost said. “It may not look [like it]… You see him enjoying himself, but this is quite a burden on his shoulders, and he’s praying for the world.”

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