Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, formally began his papacy on Sunday with an inaugural Mass attended by an estimated 200,000 people and dozens of world leaders. The Chicago-born and Peruvian citizen, Cardinal Robert Prevost, urged unity within a fractured Church and a world facing war, hatred, and inequality.
Riding in the popemobile for the first time, Leo received a warm welcome in St. Peter’s Square, where flags from the US and Peru waved in celebration. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary succeeds Pope Francis, who died in April, leaving behind a divided Church.
In his homily, Leo repeatedly emphasised the need for “unity,” “communion,” and “harmony,” vowing to preserve the Church’s rich heritage while confronting modern challenges. He warned against authoritarianism, saying popes must not “lord it over” the faithful but serve them in love.
“In our time, we continue to witness deep discord and the painful wounds inflicted by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of difference, and an economic model that exploits the Earth and sidelines the poor,” Pope Leo said.
World leaders in attendance included US Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and leaders from Italy, Peru, Canada, Nigeria, and Israel, among others. Leo met with Zelenskyy privately after the Mass and is expected to receive Vance on Monday.
Pope Leo XIV’s meets Spanish King Felipe VI after the formal inauguration of his pontificate in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatoican, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)
In a peace appeal, Leo described Ukraine as “martyred” and called for a “just and lasting peace,” while also praying for civilians in Gaza “reduced to hunger.” He avoided any direct mention of Hamas or hostages, marking a subtle shift from Francis’ messaging.
The pope was vested with the pallium and the fisherman’s ring symbols of his pastoral authority and succession from St. Peter during a deeply emotional moment in the ceremony. His choice to wear the traditional red mozzetta and emphasise doctrinal continuity has encouraged conservative Catholics, some of whom felt sidelined under Francis.
Story continues below this ad
Leo’s call for the Church to be a “leaven of unity” in a divided world drew praise from American and international pilgrims alike, with many expressing hope that his background and tone will bring healing to internal Church divisions and inspire global peace efforts.
(With inputs from agencies)
