In St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV presided over his inaugural Mass, a ceremony attended by leaders from around the world, establishing him as the first American pope and marking the start of his mission to address modern challenges and foster peace globally.
Pope Leo XIV Inaugurated as the First American Pope in Historic Mass
Pope Leo XIV Inaugurated as the First American Pope in Historic Mass
The inaugural Mass for Pope Leo XIV saw a convergence of global dignitaries, marking the beginning of an unprecedented papacy.
Current Time in Vatican City: 11:33 a.m. May 18
Live Updated: May 18, 2025, 5:18 a.m. ET
Pope Leo XIV's Inaugural Mass Draws Leaders and Catholic Faithful
In a momentous event in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV presided over his inaugural Mass, officially marking the commencement of his pontificate as the first American pope, following a crowd of supporters and global dignitaries including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and international leaders such as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The ceremony, characterized by excitement and reverence, showcased Pope Leo’s traditional vestments as he prayed in Latin, invoking the guidance of St. Peter in his new role as spiritual leader for over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. During his heartfelt homily, the new pontiff articulated his goals, emphasizing his intent to preserve the rich traditions of the Church while also tackling pressing global problems, including war and technological ethics.
A unique highlight of the event was the pope's procession through the square in a popemobile, greeted by applause and cheers from the enthusiastic crowd. Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, has taken on his new role amid a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, particularly in America, where ecclesiastical tensions are palpable.
The Mass not only marks the new pope's official induction but also his commitment to contemporary issues, including a call for peace in ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Pope Leo has already made headlines by expressing his desire to facilitate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia within the Vatican, a move welcomed by Zelensky as crucial in the search for dialogue amid ongoing hostilities.
Among various leaders in attendance, Zelensky's presence alongside prominent U.S. officials suggests a potential recalibration of church-state relations in light of Pope Leo’s American background and his future engagements with global leaders.
As celebrations continue, Pope Leo XIV's early messages suggest a reinvigorated church focus on missionary efforts, dialogue, and addressing the transformational challenges facing modern society, reaffirming the church's mission to act as a moral compass for its followers in these tumultuous times.
