Pope Leo XIV Inaugurates Pontificate in Rome with 200,000 Attendees, Global Leaders

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, was inaugurated with a Mass at St. Peter's Square attended by around 200,000 people, including prominent world leaders such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and others. In his homily, Pope Leo emphasized the themes of "love and unity," urging the Catholic Church and the world to embrace peace and coexistence amidst ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar. He called for an inclusive unity that values individual histories and cultures rather than erasing differences, condemning hatred, violence, prejudice, and economic exploitation. After the Mass, the Pope personally greeted numerous heads of state and dignitaries, including Zelensky, Vance, and European royalty, highlighting his commitment to diplomacy and dialogue. The event marked the official start of his pontificate following his election on May 8, succeeding Pope Francis. The new pope's background as a listener and peacebuilder was noted by those who had met him during his earlier visit to Japan as a church official.