In brief
Thousands gather in Vatican City to witness Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass as the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, highlighting his vision of love, peace, and unity.
May 18, 2025, Vatican City—In a momentous occasion, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, held his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by notable world leaders and a crowd of thousands. This service marks the commencement of his leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, which serves approximately 1.4 billion followers worldwide.Prominent attendees included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. They gathered to witness the historic ceremony that installed Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois.During the Mass, Pope Leo donned traditional priestly vestments and expressed his gratitude for being chosen as a successor to St. Peter, a role he embraced with solemnity. He emphasized the need for a leader who not only cherishes the rich history of the Catholic Church but also looks ahead to address modern challenges through love and collaboration.The new pope’s homily resonated with themes of unity and service, urging faith among believers and a collaborative spirit with individuals of diverse beliefs. "Brothers and sisters, this is the hour for love," he declared, encapsulating his mission to foster peace amid ongoing global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.As a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo has signaled a commitment to issues such as the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, reflecting concerns expressed by his predecessor, Pope Francis. The significance of his election highlights the evolving dynamics of the Catholic Church, particularly in America, where varying perspectives among Catholics often clash.Leo’s inaugural Mass also showcased the deep connections he maintained during his years as a missionary, particularly in Peru, a nation where he holds citizenship. His leadership promises a focus on outreach to marginalized communities and a push for actionable peace and reconciliation.As the Mass concluded, a choir performed hymns to honor the newly installed pope, celebrating this historic moment that not only marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church but also the broader narrative of faith around the globe. Amid applause and joyful shouts from the crowd, Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, hopeful of creating bridges in an increasingly divided world.
