Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV officially commenced his papacy with a powerful message of reconciliation and continuity, appealing for unity within the Roman Catholic Church and pledging not to rule as “an autocrat”. During an outdoor Mass in St. Peter’s Square, the newly elected pontiff reached out to conservative Catholics who had grown disillusioned during the tenure of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
After his first ride through the square in the popemobile, greeted by chants of “Viva il Papa” and “Papa Leone,” Pope Leo was formally installed as the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City. Thousands of faithful waved flags from the United States and Peru—two nations claiming the new pope as their own. Born in Chicago and later acquiring Peruvian citizenship after years as a missionary, the 69-year-old pontiff holds ties to both countries.
Leo’s election followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21, closing a 12-year pontificate marked by deep theological and ideological divides. The conclave that selected Leo lasted less than 24 hours—remarkably swift for such a critical decision. Robert Prevost, relatively unknown internationally and elevated to cardinal only two years ago, emerged as the chosen successor.
The pope delivered his inaugural homily in fluent Italian, striking a tone of humility and purpose. He emphasized his commitment to address contemporary global issues, including poverty and environmental degradation, signaling a continuation of Francis’s social agenda.
“The cardinals who elected me have chosen someone capable of preserving the rich heritage of the Christian faith and, at the same time, looking to the future, in order to confront the questions, concerns and challenges of today’s world,” he said.
Pope Leo also acknowledged the ideological fractures within the Church that widened under Francis, especially over issues of doctrine and morality. His repeated emphasis on “unity” and “harmony”—words he used a combined eleven times—signaled a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between traditionalists and progressives.
“It is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a question of loving, as Jesus did,” he said.
“Brothers and sisters, I would like that our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world,” he added.
He directly addressed concerns from the conservative wing, many of whom had accused Francis of making decisions unilaterally and marginalizing traditional voices within the Church.
“Peter must shepherd the flock without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat, lording it over those entrusted to him. On the contrary, he is called to serve the faith of his brothers and sisters, and to walk alongside them,” Leo said, referencing the apostle from whom the papacy derives its authority.
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The Mass was attended by a host of global dignitaries, including the presidents of Peru, Israel, and Nigeria; the prime ministers of Italy, Canada, and Australia; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz; and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Royalty also graced the occasion, including Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia.
The ceremony included the bestowal of two powerful symbols of papal authority: the pallium, a woolen liturgical vestment representing pastoral care, and the “fisherman’s ring”, a gold signet bearing an image of St. Peter holding the keys to Heaven. Traditionally used to seal documents, the ring will be destroyed upon the pope’s death or resignation.
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In a brief moment of political symbolism, U.S. Vice President JD Vance—who had publicly sparred with Pope Francis over immigration—and Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the American delegation. Vance briefly greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the start of the ceremony, a nod to their previous contentious meeting earlier in the year at the White House.
As the Latin hymn “Tu es Petrus” echoed through the square, Leo’s ascension marked not just the beginning of a new pontificate, but a renewed hope for a Church striving to reconcile its past with the demands of a rapidly changing world.
