Pope Leo XIV pledges to foster unity so Catholic Church stands as global symbol of peace
Vatican City, May 18: In a deeply moving inaugural Mass held at St. Peter’s Square before an estimated 200,000 attendees, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in history, pledged to strive for unity within the Catholic Church so it may become a guiding beacon of peace throughout the world. Dignitaries including presidents, patriarchs, princes, and international religious leaders gathered in Rome to witness the ceremonial beginning of Leo’s papacy, which follows the historic and transformative tenure of Pope Francis.
Opening his pontificate with both solemnity and joy, Pope Leo XIV took his first tour of the piazza in the popemobile, blessing babies and waving to pilgrims. A 69-year-old Augustinian missionary with dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru, Leo brings a unique background and a sense of spiritual gravitas to his new role. As the pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring—powerful emblems of papal authority—were placed upon him, the Pope appeared visibly emotional, momentarily overcome by the weight of his calling to lead 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV outlined the foundational vision of his pontificate: a Church built on love and unity that radiates peace to a fractured world. “Let our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of communion,” he declared. “Only then can it become a leaven of reconciliation in a world still plagued by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of the ‘other’, and an economic system that devastates nature and marginalizes the poor.”
His message held particular resonance amid increasing polarisation within the Catholic Church, especially in the United States. While Pope Francis championed the poor, challenged global capitalism, and embraced a humble papal style, often alienating conservative factions, Pope Leo XIV’s election—after just a 24-hour conclave—has been interpreted by many as a moment of reassurance for those seeking a return to doctrinal clarity and tradition. His appearance in the formal red mozzetta, a papal cape seldom worn by Francis, was warmly welcomed by traditionalists.
Still, Leo signalled continuity as well. He echoed Francis’ legacy of compassion and global concern: “Let us build a Church grounded in divine love—missionary in purpose, open-armed to the world, attuned to the anxieties of history, and always striving to be a source of harmony for humanity.”
The Pope also broke with rigid papal protocol in a moment of familial warmth, embracing his older brother, Louis Prevost, a politically conservative figure, during the post-Mass greetings—a gesture that drew attention for its humanity.
Tight security measures mirrored those implemented during Pope Francis’ funeral last month, with the Vatican confirming that nearly 200,000 faithful had filled the square and surrounding areas. Diplomatic arrangements were handled with precision: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance led the American delegation and paid tribute to Pope Francis at his tomb before the inauguration. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also in attendance, reportedly holding side talks on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte were among the dozen world leaders present, with Russia represented by its ambassador.
A rich tapestry of interfaith representation further underscored Pope Leo XIV’s call for global peace: delegations from Christian denominations, as well as Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Zoroastrian faiths, were in attendance. Catholic royalty, including Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Charlene of Monaco, exercised the papal privilege of wearing white—a rare distinction.
In concluding the Mass, the Pope called for peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts, especially in Ukraine, and voiced concern for the suffering of civilians in Gaza, describing children and families reduced to starvation. Notably, he omitted mention of the Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas, a regular feature in Pope Francis’ Gaza prayers—hinting at a nuanced diplomatic tone in Leo’s approach to Middle East issues.
Many American pilgrims in attendance felt a personal connection to the new Pope. Susan Hanssen, a professor from Chicago, said, “His message of unity within the doctrine of the faith and in love will resonate deeply.” Seminarian Ethan Menning of Nebraska wrapped himself in an American flag to celebrate, proclaiming, “It feels like Jesus himself is closer now.”
A defining moment of the ceremony was the rite of symbolic obedience, where representatives—not all cardinals, as in earlier eras—pledged their allegiance to the new Pope. Participants included clergy, religious, married couples, and young people, signalling an inclusive vision for the Church’s future. (Compiled the story with various inputs, including AP.)
