Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Unity and Peace at Inauguration Mass
Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pontiff, Urges Love Over Power in Historic Inauguration Mass
- Pope Leo XIV inaugurated as the 267th Pontiff in a historic Mass
- Pope calls for unity and peace
- Leaders from around the world attend the ceremony
In a momentous ceremony at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV—born in Chicago and the first American to hold the papacy—was formally installed as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Before a crowd of over 200,000 and a global audience that included high-ranking world leaders, the 69-year-old Pontiff delivered a resounding message of peace, inclusivity, and global unity.
A wave of American flags rippled through the crowds, a nod to Leo’s U.S. roots, while flags from across the globe—including Palestine—reflected the worldwide scope of his new mission. His homily emphasized the Church’s role as a bridge between cultures, achieved not through dominance or doctrine, but through sincere, active love.
“This is the spirit of mission we must carry,” Pope Leo preached. “Not isolating ourselves in our circles or feeling superior, but sharing God’s love with all. Unity doesn’t erase our differences—it uplifts them.”
The multilingual service, conducted in Italian with readings in English, Spanish, Greek, and Latin, marked the official beginning of Pope Leo’s papacy, though he had presided over earlier ceremonies following his election on May 8.
A Gathering of Global Leaders
The inauguration attracted a notable array of international dignitaries. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were in attendance, both of whom greeted the Pope after the Mass. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, Olena, also met with the Pontiff privately, following a symbolic handshake after the service.
Representatives from other nations included Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, representing the British royal family. Prominent EU figures, such as Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, were also present, as was Peruvian President Dina Boluarte—acknowledging Leo’s decades of missionary service in Peru.
Symbols of Office and a Call to Conscience
The inauguration featured traditional elements including the placement of the pallium and the fisherman’s ring—symbolizing Leo’s role as the successor to Saint Peter. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti draped the wool pallium on Leo’s shoulders, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle bestowed the ring.
In his homily, Pope Leo spoke with conviction about the state of the world. “We still see too many wounds—hatred, violence, prejudice, and fear,” he said. He condemned economic systems that exploit both people and the planet, calling on the Church to be “a small leaven of unity, communion, and fraternity.”
Leo concluded with a passionate plea for peace: “This is the hour for love. If we all lived by this call, would not every conflict end and peace be restored?”
His final prayer was deeply moving, invoking compassion for war-torn regions, particularly Gaza and Ukraine. “The children, families, and elderly in Gaza are starving,” he said, while urging global leaders not to delay in pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.
