The inaugural Mass highlights Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to peace and inclusivity as he takes the herculean mantle of leading 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
Pope Leo XIV Begins His Journey as Leader of the Catholic Church
Pope Leo XIV Begins His Journey as Leader of the Catholic Church
Tens of thousands gather in St. Peter’s Square to witness the historic inauguration of the first American pope.
Pope Leo XIV, celebrated as the first American pope, led a historic inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, attracting a throng of tens of thousands. Esteemed world leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, attended this significant event marking Leo's official installation as the pontiff of over 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
In his inaugural sermon, Pope Leo XIV took cues from his late predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in April, by calling for harmony among nations currently embroiled in conflict, notably in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar. As he embraced his role as the 267th head of the Catholic Church, Leo emphasized the church's enduring mission of evangelization—fostering inclusion without coercion. "It is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda, or by means of power," he remarked, "but through love."
Prominent figures from around the globe, including the leaders of Canada and Australia, gathered to witness Leo’s first Mass as pope. The gathering held symbolic importance, indicative of renewed relations between the papacy and conservative factions within the U.S. Catholic community. Vance's presence was notable, especially following his contentious meeting with Pope Francis last month, during which theological differences were starkly highlighted.
The new pope engaged warmly with dignitaries on this momentous day, expressing aspirations for a church that welcomes diverse voices while continuing its commitment to evangelization and global peace. As he embarks on his papacy, Leo XIV anticipates both challenges and opportunities in unifying and leading the Catholic community forward.
In his inaugural sermon, Pope Leo XIV took cues from his late predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in April, by calling for harmony among nations currently embroiled in conflict, notably in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar. As he embraced his role as the 267th head of the Catholic Church, Leo emphasized the church's enduring mission of evangelization—fostering inclusion without coercion. "It is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda, or by means of power," he remarked, "but through love."
Prominent figures from around the globe, including the leaders of Canada and Australia, gathered to witness Leo’s first Mass as pope. The gathering held symbolic importance, indicative of renewed relations between the papacy and conservative factions within the U.S. Catholic community. Vance's presence was notable, especially following his contentious meeting with Pope Francis last month, during which theological differences were starkly highlighted.
The new pope engaged warmly with dignitaries on this momentous day, expressing aspirations for a church that welcomes diverse voices while continuing its commitment to evangelization and global peace. As he embarks on his papacy, Leo XIV anticipates both challenges and opportunities in unifying and leading the Catholic community forward.
