Pope Leo XIV’s Inaugural Mass Draws World Leaders and Catholic Faithful

Leo XIII, the new pope, kicked off his papacy by celebrating an outdoor Mass in St. Peter’s Square, emphasizing a unifying yet inclusive vision for the Church. In his homily, he sought to bridge modern influences with traditional values, urging unity while preserving the church’s rich heritage and addressing today’s challenges. As an American of Peruvian descent, Leo highlighted his humility, calling himself chosen without personal merit, and expressed a desire for all to unite as one family. The event also marked Leo’s first global engagement, meeting with world leaders like Volodymyr Zelensky and Vice President JD Vance, who had a contentious but brief conversation during the Mass.