Pope Leo XIV was officially inaugurated as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, 18 May, in a grand Mass held in Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Over 100,000 pilgrims, leaders from around the world, and representatives from various Christian denominations attended the ceremony, marking the start of his Petrine Ministry.
In his first public address as Pope, Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude to the faithful for their prayers and support following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He reflected on the emotional period since the Pope’s passing, recalling feelings of uncertainty but also affirming that “the Lord never abandons His people.”
Representatives from several religious traditions, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, and Jainism, also attended, showcasing the global unity and ecumenical spirit of the event.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that his mission as the new Pope is rooted in unity, love, and service. He recalled how, despite his own unworthiness, he was chosen as the new leader of the Church and vowed to serve the faith and joy of believers. The Pope reflected on the Gospel message of “fishers of men,” stressing the importance of spreading the hope of the Gospel to all people, so they may experience God’s embrace.
With a focus on self-sacrificial love, Pope Leo XIV spoke about Peter’s role in the Church, encouraging Christians to follow the example of unconditional love, even in the face of personal weaknesses. He called for the Church to be a “sign of unity and communion” amidst a world divided by violence, hatred, and inequality.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV invited the Church to embrace a missionary spirit. He urged Christians to spread God’s love to everyone, respecting the diversity and history of different cultures and religious backgrounds. “We are called to offer God’s love to everyone,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity that does not erase differences but values them.
The Pope concluded by calling all Christians to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit, working towards building a Church that is a beacon of harmony and peace for the world, while remaining open and inclusive of all people seeking God.
