Pope Leo XIV officially took the helm of the Roman Catholic Church today during a stunning inaugural Mass held in St. Peter’s Square, filled with thousands of faithful and dignitaries from around the globe. The ceremony marks a pivotal moment as Leo becomes the first American pope in history, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away recently. The Mass saw notable figures such as Vice President JD Vance, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, and leaders from different countries, all gathered to witness the historic event.
In his homily, Pope Leo expressed his commitment to be a "shepherd" for all, emphasizing the importance of preserving Christian values while also addressing contemporary challenges, such as the threats posed by artificial intelligence, ongoing wars, and the plight of ordinary people. He referred to his election as one full of “fear and trembling,” recognizing the weight of responsibility he bears as the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Guests cheered and waved as Pope Leo rode through the square in his open-top popemobile. The mass included traditional elements such as prayers in Latin and the ceremonial handing over of symbols of papal authority, emphasizing his role as a guide for devotees. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Leo vowed to continue the mission of his predecessor, focusing on peace, dialogue, and outreach to all, regardless of religious affiliation. As the mass concluded, Leo urged the faithful to embrace love and unity among all people, marking the beginning of a hopeful chapter for the Catholic Church.
