Pope Leo XIV made history as the first American to ascend to the papacy, using his inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to speak out against the exploitation of the poor and to call for greater unity within the Catholic Church.
The ceremony drew a remarkable gathering of international dignitaries, members of royalty, and tens of thousands of faithful worshippers.
The 267th pope was greeted by enthusiastic cheers as he made his way through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile, marking his first tour of the iconic space in the specially designed vehicle.
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Authorities estimated that around 100,000 people had gathered by the time the Mass began.
During his procession, Pope Leo paused to bless and kiss a young child, a gesture that drew warm reactions from the crowd. Chants of “Viva il Papa” rang out repeatedly through the square, accompanied by jubilant applause as the new pontiff approached the altar to begin the service.
A number of high-profile figures attended the two-hour liturgy on Sunday. U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were seen exchanging greetings before the ceremony.
Pope Leo is scheduled to meet with Zelensky later in the day.Also among the attendees was Peru’s President Dina Boluarte, representing the nation where Leo XIV spent many years as a missionary and later as a bishop.
Delegations from more than 150 countries filled the square, underscoring the global importance of the occasion.
In his homily, a significant moment in which the newly elected pope sets the tone for his leadership, Leo addressed key challenges facing the Church.
He criticized efforts to use religion for political purposes or internal power struggles, saying there should be no place in the Church for “religious propaganda” or ambition.
Instead, he urged unity—a message likely aimed at bridging divisions between progressive and conservative factions within the Catholic hierarchy.
Leo also condemned the injustices of modern economic systems, particularly those that “exploit the Earth’s resources and marginalize the poorest.”
Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo emphasized humility, stating that his election was not due to any personal achievements. He described himself as “a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy.”
Concluding the Mass, the pope made a heartfelt appeal for peace in war-torn regions. He called for a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and lifted prayers for those suffering in Gaza, especially “children, families, the elderly, survivors” who are “reduced to hunger.”
