Leaders worldwide have congregated in Rome to witness the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, heralding a new era for the Roman Catholic Church with global implications.
World Leaders Gather for Pope Leo XIV's Historic Inaugural Mass
World Leaders Gather for Pope Leo XIV's Historic Inaugural Mass
Dignitaries from around the globe attend the significant ceremony marking the beginning of Pope Leo XIV's papacy.
May 18, 2025, 5:16 a.m. ET
Presidents, prime ministers, and members of royalty filled St. Peter’s Square on Sunday morning for the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, symbolizing the official commencement of his reign over the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. The presence of prominent world leaders underscored the global importance of the event.
Among the distinguished guests were U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expressed support for Pope Leo, emphasizing his American roots. However, past social media comments attributed to the Pope may indicate potential tensions regarding Catholic doctrine interpretation.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was also present. In a recent call with Pope Leo, Zelensky shared insights about cease-fire discussions for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Pope’s willingness to mediate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican illustrates his commitment to diplomacy.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, a practicing Catholic, was another notable attendee. He voiced optimism about collaborating with Pope Leo to foster a more just and sustainable world, especially after facing scheduling conflicts during Pope Francis' funeral.
Peru's President Dina Boluarte led a delegation comprising officials from the nation closely tied to Pope Leo’s upbringing. Celebrating his contributions, Boluarte remarked on his impactful relationship with the disadvantaged in Peru.
Italian officials, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, highlighted support for the Vatican’s peace initiatives and discussed collaboration on ethical AI development.
Numerous other leaders joined the festivities, including Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and France's Prime Minister François Bayrou, among others.
As the world turns its eyes to the Vatican, the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV not only signifies a change in leadership but also brings hopes for renewed international dialogue and collaboration on pressing global issues.
Yan Zhuang is a Times reporter in Seoul who covers breaking news.
Presidents, prime ministers, and members of royalty filled St. Peter’s Square on Sunday morning for the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, symbolizing the official commencement of his reign over the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. The presence of prominent world leaders underscored the global importance of the event.
Among the distinguished guests were U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expressed support for Pope Leo, emphasizing his American roots. However, past social media comments attributed to the Pope may indicate potential tensions regarding Catholic doctrine interpretation.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was also present. In a recent call with Pope Leo, Zelensky shared insights about cease-fire discussions for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Pope’s willingness to mediate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican illustrates his commitment to diplomacy.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, a practicing Catholic, was another notable attendee. He voiced optimism about collaborating with Pope Leo to foster a more just and sustainable world, especially after facing scheduling conflicts during Pope Francis' funeral.
Peru's President Dina Boluarte led a delegation comprising officials from the nation closely tied to Pope Leo’s upbringing. Celebrating his contributions, Boluarte remarked on his impactful relationship with the disadvantaged in Peru.
Italian officials, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, highlighted support for the Vatican’s peace initiatives and discussed collaboration on ethical AI development.
Numerous other leaders joined the festivities, including Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and France's Prime Minister François Bayrou, among others.
As the world turns its eyes to the Vatican, the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV not only signifies a change in leadership but also brings hopes for renewed international dialogue and collaboration on pressing global issues.
Yan Zhuang is a Times reporter in Seoul who covers breaking news.
