Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, delivered a powerful message of unity and peace during his inaugural mass in St. Peter’s Square, addressing a crowd of 200,000 people on Sunday. His speech, delivered during the homily, emphasized the need for a united church as a sign of communion, which he described as a leaven for a reconciled world. Pope Leo also addressed the suffering of those impacted by war, calling for compassion and solidarity.
In his homily, Leo stressed the importance of the family, based on the union between a man and a woman, as a defense of the dignity of the unborn. This statement came amidst the polarization within the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond, making his call for unity particularly notable. He specifically mentioned the suffering of people and the ongoing conflicts in regions such as Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine, urging the faithful to remember those who are affected by war.
Leo also expressed the spiritual presence of Pope Francis accompanying him from heaven, adding a sense of continuity and solidarity to his new role. The pope invited the faithful to pray to the Virgin Mary, under her titles as ‘Star of the Sea’ and ‘Our Lady of Good Counsel,’ for the gift of peace, support, and comfort for the suffering, and for the grace to be witnesses to the Risen Lord.
The papal inauguration concluded with Leo taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, an event that has become synonymous with the papacy’s global reach. This ceremony marked the beginning of his papal ministry and highlighted the significance of his role as the leader of the Catholic Church.
The Associated Press contributed to this report, providing additional insights into the pope’s inaugural address and his vision for the future of the Church and the world.