The inaugural Mass for Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, took place in St. Peter's Square, drawing leaders including Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Mass highlighted Leo's vision and central issues for his papacy as he began his leadership of 1.4 billion Catholics.
A Historic Inaugural Mass: Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Global Leaders to His Papacy
A Historic Inaugural Mass: Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Global Leaders to His Papacy
Pope Leo XIV presides over his first Mass as the first American pope, uniting world leaders and the faithful in St. Peter's Square.
Pope Leo XIV held his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church as he became the first American pope. The ceremony drew a gathering of world leaders and congregants, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who came to show their support for the new pontiff.
Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, took the papal name Leo XIV after his election by cardinals this month. His choice reflects a break from convention, as many had believed that an American would not be selected to lead the church due to the global superpower's existing influence. During the Mass, Leo prayed in Latin, voicing his desire to be a worthy successor to St. Peter, the revered first leader of the church.
As members of the congregation applauded, Leo rode through the square in a newly gifted electric popemobile, sharing a moment of connection with the crowd. His focus during the papacy is expected to address pressing challenges of the modern era, such as the dangers of artificial intelligence and the call for peace in conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza.
In his homily, Leo spoke of being chosen "without merit" and described his intent to lead as a brother seeking unity among the church community. The symbolic rite of “obedience” from twelve representatives accentuated his role as a shepherd to the faithful. The pope’s connections to the Augustinian order, through which he spent significant time in Peru, shape his pastoral approach, emphasizing outreach and listening to the faithful.
As Leo XIV embarks on this monumental journey, he navigates complexities within the US Catholic community, poised to reshape dialogues following the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The challenges of synthesizing traditional Catholic values with contemporary issues present a pivotal opportunity for Leo to resonate with a diverse global audience within the church.
