Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following his inauguration Mass, according to the Vatican.
In his closing prayer, the new Catholic leader expressed concern about the war in Ukraine, stating, “The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen.”
Addressing thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, the Pope warned against marginalization of the poor and autocratic governance. Notable attendees included Zelensky, US Vice President JD Vance, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with whom the pontiff was seen shaking hands.
During the Mass, Pope Leo criticized “hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest.” He pledged to govern “without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat.”
The ceremony drew reverent crowds as the Pope received his symbols of office, blessed the faithful, and called for unity. Before the Mass began, enthusiastic cheers erupted when the pontiff appeared in his popemobile, which traveled around St Peter’s Square and down Via della Conciliazione to the Tiber River before returning.
The atmosphere in the square was electric. Michelle from Germany told the BBC she “came on purpose to see the Pope,” arriving the previous morning for a brief visit specifically for this event. Despite the crowds, she was determined to witness the historic moment.
While many attendees were Catholics, tourists also joined the celebration. Joe from Missouri said, “We’re on vacation, but it’s great timing. We’re here to see the Pope’s inaugural mass. It’s very special.” He expressed pride in seeing the first American Pope, adding, “That was a surprise. He’s gonna be a wonderful Pope. I am not Catholic, but I grew up Catholic, but this is just inspiring no matter what denomination of Christian you are.”
Pia, a philosophy professor from Chile teaching at Rome’s Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, shared her sense of “new hope in the church” with the BBC. She noted the Pope’s first words after his election โ “Let the peace be with you” followed by “don’t be afraid” โ were significant: “He knows what the world and the church needs. A church that is preaching hope, preaching peace. I think many people are waiting for that.”
The formal inauguration ceremony included the placement of the pallium โ a white woolen band โ on the Pope’s shoulders, secured with three pins symbolizing the nails of the cross. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines then presented the Ring of the Fisherman, bearing St Peter’s image, before Pope Leo blessed the people with the gospel book.
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