Pope Leo XIV
delivered his inaugural Mass on Sunday earlier than 150,000 trustworthy and leaders from around the globe in St. Peter’s Sq..
What did Leo say?
Leo, historical past’s first American pope, introduced a message of unity and communion throughout his homily, vowing to assist the Catholic Church develop into a pressure for peace on the planet.
“I would love that our first nice need be for a united church, an indication of unity and communion, which turns into a leaven for a reconciled world,” he mentioned. “On this our time, we nonetheless see an excessive amount of discord, too many wounds brought on by hatred, violence, prejudice, the concern of distinction, and an financial paradigm that exploits the Earth’s assets and marginalizes the poorest.”
Throughout the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the 2 potent symbols of the papacy had been positioned on him — the pallium woolen stole over his shoulders and the fisherman’s ring on his finger. He turned his hand to take a look at the ring and seal after which clasped his arms in entrance of him in prayer.
Who attended – and who didn’t?
Vice President JD Vance led the American delegation to the Vatican, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio additionally in attendance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
additionally attended together with his spouse, Olena, and was seen shaking arms with Vance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin didn’t attend. Russia was as an alternative represented by the tradition minister, Olga Liubimova.
Different world leaders included French President Emmanuel Macron, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
King Charles didn’t attend, and as an alternative despatched Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, as his consultant – a call that follows precedent, as Queen Elizabeth despatched representatives to attend the inaugurations of each Pope Francis and Pope Benedict.
Leo on Russia-Ukraine conflict
On the finish of Sunday’s Mass, Leo expressed hope for negotiations to carry a “simply and lasting peace” in “martyred” Ukraine.
Leo has beforehand vowed to make “each effort” to assist finish the conflict. Leo was pictured shaking Zelenskyy’s hand after Mass.
Leo would host the Ukrainian leader for a personal viewers later Sunday, in line with the Vatican.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
