Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unified, Missionary Church That Embraces the World at Inaugural Mass

Vatican City, May 18, 2025: Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papacy, delivered a powerful call for unity, compassion, and global outreach during his inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. Addressing over 100,000 faithful, world leaders, and dignitaries, the 267th pontiff urged the Catholic Church to be a “sign of unity” and a “leaven of harmony for humanity.”

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the role of the Church as one rooted in God’s love and committed to missionary work that reaches beyond borders. “With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit, let us build a Church founded on God’s love… a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world,” he said in a message later echoed on social media.

The Mass was marked by poignant moments, including Leo stopping to kiss a child from his popemobile, and spontaneous chants of “Viva il Papa” ringing out from the square. Dignitaries in attendance included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Peru’s President Dina Boluarte — the latter a symbolic presence, as Leo XIV had spent decades in Peru as a missionary and bishop.

Calling for an end to internal divisions and “religious propaganda,” Leo urged the Church to reject power struggles and embrace humility, mirroring the tone of his predecessor Pope Francis. He denounced economic systems that exploit the Earth and neglect the poor, asserting the Church’s moral responsibility to advocate for justice and sustainability.

Toward the end of the Mass, the pontiff prayed for global peace, with a special focus on Ukraine and Gaza. “We pray for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” he said. “And we hold in our hearts the children, families, and elderly in Gaza, reduced to hunger and hardship.”

Pope Leo XIV is set to meet with President Zelenskyy later in the day, continuing his diplomatic engagement alongside his spiritual mission. With delegates from over 150 nations present, the day marked not only a new chapter for the Vatican but also for global Catholicism.