Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of “love and unity” during his inaugural mass on Sunday.

Why It Matters

Leo held his inaugural Mass on Sunday, in what marked the official start of his pontificate.

It came after the Chicago native was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church on May 8, after a two-day conclave and held his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on 9 May. He replaced Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.

What To Know

According to the Vatican, some 200,000 people attended the mass in St. Peter’s Square.

World leaders in attendance included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The pope was seen shaking hands with Zelensky, Vance, and other figures.

In his sermon, the Pope called for “love and unity” within the church and a world where “peace reigns.”

“In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest,” he said.

He spoke about global conflicts in Gaza, Myanmar and Ukraine and said we must not forget those suffering in wars.

“The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen,” he said.

He also spoke about the need for a “coexistence of diversity.”

“This is the missionary spirit that must animate us, not closing ourselves off in our small groups, nor feeling superior to the world,” he said.

“We are called to offer God’s love to everyone in order to achieve that university that does not cancel out differences, but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people.”

Cardinal Luigi Tagle gave him the Fisherman’s Ring with a design of St. Peter holding the keys to heaven, which marks the start of his papacy. He also received a liturgical vestment known as a pallium. This is a strip of lambswool which represents his role as a shepherd.

Before speaking, Leo greeted those who had come to watch on his popemobile.

What People Are Saying

An attendee, Michelle from Germany, told the BBC: “I arrived yesterday in the morning and I’m leaving in a few hours, so I don’t have much time. It’s very crazy because there’s so many people. I wanted to see the pope.”

Joe from Missouri told the outlet: “We’re on vacation, but it’s great timing. We’re here to see the pope’s inaugural mass. It’s very special. I’m glad we came early.”

“He’s gonna be a wonderful pope,” he added. “I am not Catholic, but I grew up Catholic, but this is just inspiring no matter what denomination of Christian you are.”

What Happens Next

Following the mass, Leo is expected to meet world leaders in a series of meetings at the Vatican.