Pope Leo XIV officially began his papacy on Sunday with an open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where he called for unity within the Catholic Church and pledged to preserve its rich traditions.
The 69-year-old Chicago-born pontiff, also a Peruvian citizen and former missionary, becomes the 267th pope, succeeding Francis, who died last month after a 12-year papacy marked by reform and controversy.
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo struck a conciliatory tone, reaching out to conservatives who felt sidelined under Francis.
He promised not to rule like “an autocrat” and emphasized the importance of service, harmony, and love over force or religious propaganda.
World leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy, and several European royals, attended the historic ceremony.
Pope Leo also addressed pressing global issues, calling for a just peace in Ukraine and drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
He has already signaled key priorities for his papacy, including the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and the urgent need to heal divisions within both the Church and the wider world.