Pope Leo XIV delivered a message from “Love and Unity” during his inaugural mass on Sunday.
Why it matters
Leo held his inaugural mass on Sunday, in what marked the official start of his pontificate.
He came after the native of Chicago was chosen as a new head of the Catholic church on May 8, after a two -day conclave and held his first mass in the Sistine Chapel on May 9. He replaced Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.
AP PHOTO / ANDREW MEDICHINI
What to know
According to the Vatican, some 200,000 people attended mass on Saint-Pierre square.
The world leaders present were Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The pope was seen shaking with Zelensky, Vance and other figures.
In his sermon, the pope called for “love and unity” within the Church and a world where “peace reigns”.
“At this time, we still see too much discord, too many injuries caused by hatred, violence, prejudices, the fear of difference and an economic paradigm that exploits the resources of the poorest and marginalizes the poorest,” he said.
He spoke of world conflicts in Gaza, Myanmar and Ukraine and said that we must not forget the suffering in wars.
“Martyized Ukraine awaits negotiations for a just and sustainable peace to finally occur,” he said.
He also talked about the need for “coexistence of diversity”.
“It is the missionary spirit that must animate us, not to close in our small groups, nor feel superior to the world,” he said.
“We are called to offer God’s love to everyone in order to reach this university which does not cancel the differences, but appreciates the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of each people.”
Cardinal Luigi Tagle gave him the fisherman’s ring with a conception of Saint-Pierre holding the keys to the sky, which marks the beginning of its papacy. He also received a liturgical clothing known as Pallium. This is a band of agitation which represents its role as a shepherd.
Before speaking, Leo praised those who had come to look on his potemobile.
What people say
A participant, Michelle of Germany, told the BBC: “I arrived yesterday morning and I go in a few hours, so I don’t have much time. It’s very crazy because there are so many people. I wanted to see the pope.”
Joe du Missouri said at the point of sale: “We are on vacation, but it’s an excellent timing. We are here to see the Pope’s inaugural mass. It’s very special. I’m glad we came early.”
“He’s going to be a wonderful pope,” he added. “I am not Catholic, but I grew Catholic, but it’s just inspiring, whatever the name of Christian.”
What happens next
After mass, Leo should meet world leaders in a series of meetings at the Vatican.
