Pope Leo XIV, marking his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square, presided over a gathering of tens of thousands, making history as the first American pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church. The significant event drew several world leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, who were present to witness the installation of the 267th head of the Catholic Church.
In his address, Pope Leo echoed themes from his late predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in April. He earnestly called for peace across nations like Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar, emphasizing the church's mission of evangelization. "Our aim is to invite others with love, not force or propaganda," he stated, stressing the need for inclusivity within the church.
Prominent figures attending the Mass included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Pope Leo engaged with various dignitaries, including a handshake with Vice President Vance, underlining the opportunity for renewed relations between the U.S. conservatives and the Vatican.
Vance's participation suggested a potential thaw in the often strained relationship between traditional U.S. conservative Catholics and the papacy, especially after his recent meeting with Pope Francis regarding contentious issues like immigration. Leo's alignment with some of Francis's views appears promising, as both leaders navigate the challenges facing the Church in the modern era.
In his address, Pope Leo echoed themes from his late predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in April. He earnestly called for peace across nations like Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar, emphasizing the church's mission of evangelization. "Our aim is to invite others with love, not force or propaganda," he stated, stressing the need for inclusivity within the church.
Prominent figures attending the Mass included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Pope Leo engaged with various dignitaries, including a handshake with Vice President Vance, underlining the opportunity for renewed relations between the U.S. conservatives and the Vatican.
Vance's participation suggested a potential thaw in the often strained relationship between traditional U.S. conservative Catholics and the papacy, especially after his recent meeting with Pope Francis regarding contentious issues like immigration. Leo's alignment with some of Francis's views appears promising, as both leaders navigate the challenges facing the Church in the modern era.
