Vatican City, May 18, 2025: Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, attended the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV at Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday, extending best wishes on behalf of the people of India.
The historic mass marked the formal beginning of Leo XIV’s papacy, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. His message, delivered before a crowd of nearly 100,000 attendees, emphasized unity within the Church and denounced the exploitation of the poor and the planet.
In his first homily as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV called for a Church that rejects power struggles and religious propaganda, urging a more inclusive and harmonious spiritual mission. “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 declared.
The mass drew leaders and delegates from over 150 countries. Among the dignitaries were U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Peru’s President Dina Boluarte. Pope Leo XIV is also expected to meet with Zelenskyy later in the day.
Harivansh’s presence at the Vatican reflected India’s recognition of global interfaith dialogue and marked a gesture of goodwill toward the Vatican and the Catholic community worldwide.
Rajya Sabha Dy Chairman Harivansh Represents India at Pope Leo XIV’s Inaugural Mass
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