Pope Leo XIV formally commenced his papacy on Sunday, appealing to right-wing Catholics who had felt marginalized under his predecessor, and vowing to uphold the heritage of the Church and spurn autocratic rule. The 69-year-old pope, born in Chicago and who also holds Peruvian citizenship, was officially inaugurated as the 267th pope at an outdoor Mass in St. Peter’s Square that drew an estimated 200,000 attendees and several world leaders.
The new pontiff, previously Cardinal Robert Prevost a relatively unknown but just two years ago newly minted cardinal was chosen on May 8 following a swift conclave taking less than 24 hours. He replaced Pope Francis, with a 12-year reign that was distinguished by attempts to reduce poverty, defend marginalized communities, and battle traditionalist resistance.
In his first sermon, preached effortlessly in Italian, Leo reasserted his allegiance to maintain Francis’s concentration on social causes like poverty and the protection of the environment. At the same time, he underscored keeping the “rich heritage of the Christian faith,” repeatedly calling on Catholics to remain united.
The audience welcomed him warmly, crying out “Viva il Papa” and brandishing American and Peruvian flags in a display of pride in his singular affinity for both nations. US Vice President JD Vance, a self-proclaimed Catholic convert who has been at odds with Francis regarding immigration, headed the American delegation, accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Vance had a quick handshake with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the ceremony. Pope Leo is to see Zelenskyy in private later Sunday, while Vance will receive an audience with the pope on Monday.
In a closing plea, Pope Leo spoke of world crises, labeling Ukraine “martyred” and invoking “just and lasting peace,” and also pointing to the critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where citizens are starving. Among the pilgrims, there were many who showed enthusiasm and admiration for the new pope’s kindness and humble background.
