Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, begins his papacy by addressing pressing global issues and uniting the Catholic community.
Pope Leo XIV’s Inaugural Mass Celebrates New Papacy with Global Leaders in Attendance
Pope Leo XIV’s Inaugural Mass Celebrates New Papacy with Global Leaders in Attendance
The first American pope's inaugural Mass marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church as leaders and faithful gather in St. Peter's Square.
May 18, 2025, 5:09 a.m. ET, Vatican City - In a historic first, Pope Leo XIV presided over his inaugural Mass this morning in St. Peter's Square, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd. Celebrated in the presence of influential world leaders, this event marks the commencement of a new era for the Catholic Church as Leo becomes the first American pope, officially leading 1.4 billion Roman Catholics worldwide.
Among the dignitaries attending were Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, and Prime Ministers Mark Carney and Anthony Albanese from Canada and Australia, respectively. The vibrant atmosphere was amplified as Pope Leo made his way through the square in an open-top popemobile, waving to a sea of clapping and cheering supporters.
Dressed in traditional papal vestments, the new pontiff started his homily with an expression of gratitude while reflecting on the responsibilities he now bears as the successor of St. Peter. He acknowledged his election as a matter of divine selection rather than personal merit and emphasized a desire for unity among Christians.
As part of this historic Mass, geopolitically sensitive issues were highlighted in Leo's agenda, echoing the calls from his predecessor, Pope Francis. Among these are the concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and a commitment to support the marginalized.
Pope Leo, a native of Chicago with a rich history as a missionary in Peru and a member of the Augustinian order, aims to emphasize a compassionate outreach within the Catholic community. This inaugural mass comes at a critical time in American Catholicism, where various factions within the church are negotiating complex cultural and political dynamics.
The presence of leaders from across the globe signifies not only the importance of the church in current international conversations, especially surrounding peace efforts, but also shows the gravitas of Leo's election—defying prior assumptions that a leader from a global superpower wouldn't be chosen.
Pope Leo's path as the 267th pope will hopefully guide the church's mission towards a more progressive approach, honoring the rich tradition of Catholicism while addressing modern day challenges head-on.
Among the dignitaries attending were Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, and Prime Ministers Mark Carney and Anthony Albanese from Canada and Australia, respectively. The vibrant atmosphere was amplified as Pope Leo made his way through the square in an open-top popemobile, waving to a sea of clapping and cheering supporters.
Dressed in traditional papal vestments, the new pontiff started his homily with an expression of gratitude while reflecting on the responsibilities he now bears as the successor of St. Peter. He acknowledged his election as a matter of divine selection rather than personal merit and emphasized a desire for unity among Christians.
As part of this historic Mass, geopolitically sensitive issues were highlighted in Leo's agenda, echoing the calls from his predecessor, Pope Francis. Among these are the concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and a commitment to support the marginalized.
Pope Leo, a native of Chicago with a rich history as a missionary in Peru and a member of the Augustinian order, aims to emphasize a compassionate outreach within the Catholic community. This inaugural mass comes at a critical time in American Catholicism, where various factions within the church are negotiating complex cultural and political dynamics.
The presence of leaders from across the globe signifies not only the importance of the church in current international conversations, especially surrounding peace efforts, but also shows the gravitas of Leo's election—defying prior assumptions that a leader from a global superpower wouldn't be chosen.
Pope Leo's path as the 267th pope will hopefully guide the church's mission towards a more progressive approach, honoring the rich tradition of Catholicism while addressing modern day challenges head-on.
