In a defining moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV presided over his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square, attended by an estimated 150,000 people, including world leaders and clergy. His homily emphasized a future of inclusivity, unity, and active engagement with contemporary issues.
Pope Leo XIV's Inaugural Mass Reaches Faithful Worldwide
Pope Leo XIV's Inaugural Mass Reaches Faithful Worldwide
Dignitaries and believers converge at St. Peter's Square for the historic Mass inaugurating the first American pope.
May 18, 2025, 6:47 a.m. ET
Pope Leo XIV, the newly-elected American pontiff, delivered a heartfelt inaugural Mass on Sunday, drawing a monumental crowd to St. Peter's Square. Esteemed dignitaries—including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—joined thousands of faithful for the historic ceremony marking the onset of Leo's papacy.
Reflecting upon the challenges of modern society, Leo's homily resonated with themes of inclusivity and a desire for unity among the world's diverse faiths. He articulated the cardinals' hope for a shepherd capable of balancing the rich heritage of the church with contemporary issues like artificial intelligence, war, and the plight of marginalized communities.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the 267th pope—a notable milestone as the first American leader of the Catholic Church. As he rode through St. Peter's Square in a popemobile, the excitement of the crowd was palpable. Emphasizing a mission grounded in love rather than force, the new pope invited all individuals, regardless of faith, to seek solidarity in addressing humanity's common struggles.
During the Mass, Leo referenced the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and urged for peace, echoing sentiments of connection familiar from his predecessor, Pope Francis. He concluded the event with a call for the church to embrace its role in fostering understanding and compassion for all.
Instead of merely presiding, Leo's leadership thus far indicates a commitment to outreach, suggesting that the Vatican will play a pivotal role in tackling global concerns. As the dust settles on the inauguration, many await a fresh chapter in the Catholic Church under Leo XIV's direction, particularly with a projected focus on engaging with American Catholics amidst prevailing complexities.
Pope Leo XIV, the newly-elected American pontiff, delivered a heartfelt inaugural Mass on Sunday, drawing a monumental crowd to St. Peter's Square. Esteemed dignitaries—including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—joined thousands of faithful for the historic ceremony marking the onset of Leo's papacy.
Reflecting upon the challenges of modern society, Leo's homily resonated with themes of inclusivity and a desire for unity among the world's diverse faiths. He articulated the cardinals' hope for a shepherd capable of balancing the rich heritage of the church with contemporary issues like artificial intelligence, war, and the plight of marginalized communities.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the 267th pope—a notable milestone as the first American leader of the Catholic Church. As he rode through St. Peter's Square in a popemobile, the excitement of the crowd was palpable. Emphasizing a mission grounded in love rather than force, the new pope invited all individuals, regardless of faith, to seek solidarity in addressing humanity's common struggles.
During the Mass, Leo referenced the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and urged for peace, echoing sentiments of connection familiar from his predecessor, Pope Francis. He concluded the event with a call for the church to embrace its role in fostering understanding and compassion for all.
Instead of merely presiding, Leo's leadership thus far indicates a commitment to outreach, suggesting that the Vatican will play a pivotal role in tackling global concerns. As the dust settles on the inauguration, many await a fresh chapter in the Catholic Church under Leo XIV's direction, particularly with a projected focus on engaging with American Catholics amidst prevailing complexities.
