In a significant moment for the global Catholic community, Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, celebrated his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday amidst a crowd of tens of thousands who came together to witness this milestone event. Among the dignitaries present were world leaders such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
During his first official address as the 267th pope, Leo XIV emphasized the church's mission of evangelization, resonating with the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in April. Addressing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar, Leo expressed a heartfelt plea for peace, indicating that compassion and love should guide the church's approach to bringing people together.
"It is never about capturing others through force or coercion," he stated, underscoring the need for an inclusive environment within the church. His vision aims to unite various factions under a common purpose, moving away from divisive practices in religious outreach.
Vice President JD Vance's presence at the Mass served as a notable point of connection between the new pontiff and United States conservatives, hoping to mend the relationship following tensions that arose during Pope Francis's tenure, particularly regarding immigration policies. This gathering signifies a potential new chapter for American-Catholic relations and the church's future direction under Pope Leo XIV's leadership.
