Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff of U.S. and Peruvian heritage, delivered a powerful message of peace and unity during his inaugural Mass at the Vatican, attended by thousands, including international dignitaries and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Addressing a crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Leo denounced economic systems that exploit natural resources and deepen poverty. He emphasized a leadership style rooted in humility, promising to lead “without ever yielding to the temptation of autocracy.”
After the Mass, the Pope included a heartfelt prayer for peace in Ukraine and later met privately with President Zelensky and his wife. The Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude for the Pope’s support and his “clear voice advocating for a just and lasting peace.”
Pope Leo has been vocal about ending the war in Ukraine since his early days in office. Last week, he proposed the Vatican as a neutral ground for peace talks after Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Zelensky’s proposal to meet in Turkey.
During the Mass, the Pope received the traditional symbols of papal authority, including the pallium — a white woolen garment pinned to represent the nails of the crucifixion — and the Ring of the Fisherman, which was placed on his finger by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines.
The event drew wide international participation, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, European royals, global religious leaders, and politicians from countries including Germany and Peru in attendance.
Pope Leo told the crowd, “There is still too much division, too many wounds inflicted by hatred, violence, and fear of difference, along with an economic model that exploits the Earth and sidelines the poor.”
The mood in the square was celebratory. Pilgrims and tourists alike expressed admiration for the new Pope. Michelle, a visitor from Germany, said she made a special trip just to witness the moment. Joe, a tourist from Missouri in the U.S., described the timing as “perfect,” adding that seeing the first American Pope felt “inspiring,” regardless of denomination.
Also present was Pia, a philosophy professor from Chile based in Rome, who shared her hope that Pope Leo would bring a fresh message to the Church. Recalling his first words upon election, “Let peace be with you,” she added, “He understands what both the Church and the world long for — hope and peace.”
With his inauguration now complete, Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy under the global spotlight, carrying the hopes of millions for a more compassionate, inclusive, and peaceful world.
Source: BBC
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