Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV: Unity and Purpose Mark a New Era in the Vatican

Thu Oct 23 2025 10:23:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The historic inaugural Mass of the first American pope, Leo XIV, gathers over 150,000 faithful and world leaders, focusing on inclusivity, peace, and addressing global challenges.

Pope Leo XIV began his pontificate with a powerful inaugural Mass, emphasizing unity and the importance of addressing global issues such as peace and inclusivity. Attended by numerous dignitaries, the event marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church as it navigates modern challenges.

In a momentous ceremony marking the beginning of a new papacy, Pope Leo XIV led his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 18, drawing an audience of over 150,000 individuals, including significant global leaders. This historic occasion not only welcomed the first American pope but also set the tone for his leadership, emphasizing unity amidst the challenges faced by the Church and the world at large.

During his homily, Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, reflected on the role of a shepherd, as chosen by the cardinals who elected him as the 267th pope. He expressed a desire to uphold the rich Christian heritage while simultaneously addressing contemporary issues. “I come to you as a brother,” he shared, as he urged for inclusivity within the church. His message echoed that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, emphasizing a love-based approach to evangelization, devoid of coercion or proselytism.

The ceremony included notable figures such as Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and other world leaders who came to witness this significant occasion. Among them, Vance and Zelensky's brief meeting symbolized an opportunity for renewed dialogues, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In his address, Pope Leo made poignant remarks about world conflicts, “We still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred and violence,” highlighting his commitment to advocating for peace and collective unity. He mentioned the plight of those affected by war and vowed to be a voice for “ordinary people,” emphasizing a need for dialogue and PEACE building.

The Mass marked not just the official commencement of his papacy but also a moment for the faithful to reflect on the challenges ahead. In an age increasingly complicated by conflict and division, Pope Leo spoke of a church that embraces diversity while promoting a spirit of love and communality.

As the event concluded, the outgoing atmosphere was filled with claps and cheers, with attendees receiving communion from priests, marking both a traditional and heartfelt start to Leo XIV's journey at the helm of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.