Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff, calls for unity and peace at inaugural Mass in Vatican City.

Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff, Calls for Unity and Peace at Inaugural Mass in Vatican City

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papacy, conducted his inaugural Mass today, delivering a poignant message of unity and peace amidst a dividison within the Church. The ceremony, held in the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, drew an impressive crowd of 200,000 attendees, including notable figures such as J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for cohesion within the global Catholic community, referencing the various divides that have challenged the Church in recent years. His call for unity resonated broadly, inviting all factions within the faith to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and shared purpose.

“A divided house cannot stand,” the pontiff declared, underscoring the significance of cooperation and understanding among different sects and ideologies within Christianity. “We must begin a new chapter of solidarity, guided by love and peace,” he added, appealing not just to the congregants, but to people of all faiths worldwide.

In addition to his focus on internal unity, Pope Leo XIV also addressed world peace, making a specific plea for conflict resolution in war zones, a timely and relevant message given ongoing global tensions.

Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV held a private meeting with President Zelenskyy, reflecting the Church’s ongoing commitment to addressing international conflicts and fostering dialogue among nations. This encounter underscores the Vatican’s interest in playing a mediating role in global affairs, particularly concerning the ongoing strife in Ukraine.

The gathering was reported by several outlets, including The Indian Express, Time Magazine, Al Jazeera, CNBC TV18, and the BBC, highlighting the new pope’s historic background as the first American to hold the papacy and the expectations surrounding his leadership.

As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, his inaugural Mass sets a tone of hope and cooperation, laying the groundwork for future endeavors aimed at bridging gaps within the Church and promoting peace on a global scale.