Pope Leo XIV vows to work for unity so Catholic Church becomes a sign of peace in the world

Published: Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 12:42 pm

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity in Inaugural Mass, Signaling a New Era for the Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in history, has officially begun his papacy with a powerful message of unity and peace. During his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square, attended by an estimated 200,000 people, including world leaders and religious figures, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of a united Catholic Church as a force for global harmony.

The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary, who hails from Chicago, took his first popemobile tour, a traditional rite of passage, and appeared visibly moved during the ceremony as he received the symbols of his office: the pallium stole and the Fisherman's Ring. His homily focused on love and unity, aiming to heal divisions within the Church and address global conflicts. He specifically mentioned the need to combat discord, hatred, violence, and economic exploitation.

This call for unity is particularly significant given the existing polarization within the Catholic Church, especially in the United States. Pope Leo XIV's more traditional style, including his return to formal papal attire, has resonated with conservative Catholics. The Mass saw the presence of prominent figures, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Pope Leo XIV also expressed his hope for peace in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza. The event underscored the global reach of the papacy, with delegations from various Christian churches, the Jewish community, and other religious groups in attendance. The Mass was a powerful symbol of the new Pope's commitment to building a unified Church that serves as a beacon of peace in a divided world.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, American Pope, Inaugural Mass, St. Peter's Square, Unity, Catholic Church, Peace, Homily, Vatican, U.S. Vice President, Ukraine, Gaza, Traditional, Conservative Catholics, Papacy, Fisherman's Ring, Pallium, World Leaders, Religious Figures.

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