On May 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV was officially inaugurated as the head of over 1.4 billion Catholics at a significant Mass attended by global dignitaries.
Pope Leo XIV Inaugurated Amid Global Leaders in Attendance
Pope Leo XIV Inaugurated Amid Global Leaders in Attendance
World leaders gather at St. Peter's Square for the historic inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV.
In St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, a historic inauguration took place as Pope Leo XIV celebrated his inaugural Mass, officially marking the beginning of his leadership over the Roman Catholic Church. Among the attendees were prominent world leaders including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who expressed pride in the pope's American roots, and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, who engaged in a warm discussion regarding potential peace talks amid ongoing conflicts in his country.
Vice President Vance arrived in Rome with his wife, Usha, with the administration keen to establish a relationship with the new pontiff, despite prior criticisms noted in social media discussions regarding Catholic doctrine interpretations. In a significant moment of diplomatic dialogue, Pope Leo and Zelensky discussed cease-fire negotiations, paving the way for potential peace talks that the Vatican may facilitate between Ukraine and Russia.
Among the attendees were Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and Peru’s President Dina Boluarte, with Carney expressed optimism about collaborative efforts in global justice and sustainability. Boluarte, who leads a delegation from Peru, highlighted the personal ties Pope Leo holds to the country, celebrating his dedication to those in need.
Italy was represented by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, both voicing support for the Vatican’s peace initiatives and ethical advancements in technology. In addition to the aforementioned leaders, the Mass was witnessed by representatives from nations including Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, underscoring the global weight and significance of Pope Leo's new role.
As this new chapter begins for the Catholic Church, the presence of these leaders suggests a hopeful environment for interfaith and diplomatic relations in addressing contemporary global issues.
Yan Zhuang is a contributor at OnPoint, reporting on pivotal global events.
Vice President Vance arrived in Rome with his wife, Usha, with the administration keen to establish a relationship with the new pontiff, despite prior criticisms noted in social media discussions regarding Catholic doctrine interpretations. In a significant moment of diplomatic dialogue, Pope Leo and Zelensky discussed cease-fire negotiations, paving the way for potential peace talks that the Vatican may facilitate between Ukraine and Russia.
Among the attendees were Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and Peru’s President Dina Boluarte, with Carney expressed optimism about collaborative efforts in global justice and sustainability. Boluarte, who leads a delegation from Peru, highlighted the personal ties Pope Leo holds to the country, celebrating his dedication to those in need.
Italy was represented by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, both voicing support for the Vatican’s peace initiatives and ethical advancements in technology. In addition to the aforementioned leaders, the Mass was witnessed by representatives from nations including Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, underscoring the global weight and significance of Pope Leo's new role.
As this new chapter begins for the Catholic Church, the presence of these leaders suggests a hopeful environment for interfaith and diplomatic relations in addressing contemporary global issues.
Yan Zhuang is a contributor at OnPoint, reporting on pivotal global events.
