Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, officially began his papacy today with an inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by an estimated 150,000 faithful, dignitaries, and world leaders. In his homily, he emphasized unity and communion, urging the Catholic Church to be a force for global reconciliation.
“I would like that our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world,” Pope Leo XIV declared. He addressed contemporary challenges, noting, “In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest” .
The ceremony included traditional rites, such as the presentation of the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium, symbolizing his pastoral and apostolic responsibilities. Notable attendees included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and Prince Edward representing King Charles. After the Mass, Pope Leo met with President Zelenskyy, expressing the Vatican’s willingness to host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia .
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, holds dual citizenship with the United States and Peru. His election marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, as he becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy.
In his address, Pope Leo called for the Church to embrace a “missionary spirit,” encouraging the faithful to reach out beyond their communities and promote inclusivity. He stated, “We are called to offer God’s love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people” .
The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV signals a continuation of efforts to address global issues and foster unity within the Church and the broader international community.
