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3d ago

Pope Leo XIV Inaugurated, Calls for Unity and Global Peace

The first American pontiff begins his papacy with a message of reconciliation, addressing 200,000 pilgrims and global leaders in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Leo XIV meets Vice President JD Vance after the formal inauguration of his pontificate in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
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Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born and Peruvian pontiff, was formally installed during a Mass attended by 200,000 pilgrims and over 150 dignitaries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
  • In his homily, the Pope emphasized Church unity as a model for global reconciliation and called for peace in conflict zones like Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar.
  • The ceremony featured traditional rites, including the presentation of the pallium and the fisherman’s ring, which moved the Pope visibly as he embraced the weight of his new role.
  • Security measures were extensive, with thousands of officers, rooftop snipers, and anti-drone operations ensuring safety during the high-profile event.
  • Leo XIV outlined peace, justice, and truth as the Vatican's diplomatic pillars, signaling a continuation of his predecessor's focus on social justice and global harmony.