Pope Leo XIV Inaugurates Papacy with Plea for Unity Amidst Global Turmoil

VATICAN CITY - Pope Leo XIV officially began his papacy on Sunday with an inaugural mass at St. Peter's Basilica, delivering a powerful homily that called for unity and a renewed "missionary spirit" in a world fractured by discord and division. The mass, formally known as the Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate, drew an estimated 100,000 people to St. Peter's Square, eager to witness the historic moment.

Prior to the mass, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, toured St. Peter's Square in an open-topped popemobile, greeting the gathered crowds.

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the challenges of the times, lamenting the "too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and the economic paradigm that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalizes the poorest." He urged the world's 1.4 billion Catholics to embrace a "missionary spirit," encouraging them to look beyond their immediate circles and avoid feelings of superiority.

"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 inaugural mass was attended by a host of dignitaries, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Priminster Anthony Albanese. Representatives from various religious traditions, including Ecumenical, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Zoroastrian, and Jain faiths, were also present, underscoring the pope's message of inclusivity and interfaith dialogue.

[Image of Pope Leo XIV's popemobile tour through St. Peter's Square]

A significant moment occurred before the mass when Vice President Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy greeted each other, exchanging a handshake. Following the mass, Pope Leo XIV was scheduled to hold a private audience with President Zelenskyy, signaling the Vatican's continued interest in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Earlier, the Pope also met with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, was elected on May 8th. During the ceremony, he was presented with the Ring of the Fisherman by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a symbol of his authority and connection to St. Peter, the first pope.

The new pontiff paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose death on April 21st was mourned worldwide. He also offered insight into the conclave that led to his election, describing how the cardinals "could feel the working of the Holy Spirit," leading them to a harmonious decision.

As the mass concluded with the Regina Caeli Prayer, the crowd had swelled to an estimated 200,000 people. Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude to those who had traveled from afar and acknowledged the "spiritual presence of Pope Francis accompanying us from heaven." He concluded his remarks by urging support and comfort for those suffering, particularly highlighting the plight of those affected by war in Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine, emphasizing the need for "negotiations for a just and lasting peace."