Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, set a hopeful and transformative tone for his papacy during his inaugural mass at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, 69, who was elected the 267th pope on May 8, addressed tens of thousands of pilgrims and a distinguished audience, including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In his homily, Leo XIV urged the Church to become a force for peace, social justice, and environmental stewardship amid a world fractured by hatred, violence, and inequality. “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 marginalises the poorest,” he said. The new pope called on the faithful to embrace unity without erasing differences, valuing personal histories and diverse cultural backgrounds.
Before delivering his message, Leo XIV made his debut public appearance in a popemobile, warmly greeting the crowds gathered at the Vatican. His papacy has already been marked by a strong emphasis on peace and social justice, reflecting his years as a missionary in Peru.
Despite being relatively unknown before his election, having only become a cardinal in 2023, Leo XIV’s ascension has generated significant enthusiasm in the United States. However, his American background has also raised concerns among some observers wary of the country’s global political influence intersecting with spiritual leadership.
Thousands of security personnel were deployed to ensure the event’s safety, underscoring the importance of the occasion. International dignitaries from Germany, Italy, Peru, Canada, Israel, and several European royals attended the mass.
Acknowledging the weight of his new role, Leo XIV expressed humility and a deep sense of responsibility, stating, “I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy.”
His inauguration marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church, one that hopes to bridge divisions and inspire hope in a fractured world.
