Pope Leo XIV Officiates Inaugural Mass in Vatican with Global Leaders

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, will officiate his inaugural Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and Square in Vatican City, marking a historic event for the Roman Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion followers. The ceremony is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees, including numerous world leaders such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Zelenskyy, who recently spoke with Pope Leo XIV by phone, is anticipated to meet other leaders during the event, with hopes for peace talks amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The U.S. delegation includes key congressional members, reflecting the significance of the occasion. European leaders such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella will also be present. The Vatican and international dignitaries view the inaugural Mass as both a religious milestone and a potential platform for diplomatic engagement.