Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass Emphasizes Unity and Peace

During the inauguration Mass on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV expressed a vision for a “Unification Church” aimed at fostering global peace and encouraging followers to “walk towards God and love each other.”

Addressing a crowd of hundreds of thousands, which included pilgrims, world leaders, and representatives from various Christian denominations, Pope Leo XIV commenced the Mass in St. Peter’s Square, declaring the gospel in both Greek and Latin.

The 69-year-old American cleric, who has recently taken on this significant role, was adorned with liturgical symbols, such as a white wool sash that signifies the position of Roman bishop.

Upon receiving the fisherman’s ring from Cardinal Tugle, the Pope appeared visibly emotional. This ring bears the image of St. Peter along with symbols associated with his fishing miracles. Each new Pope receives a unique version of this ring, representing their connection to St. Peter and their commitment to guide the faithful.

In his homily, Pope Leo, recalling the words of a 4th-century theologian, shared, “Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until we rest within you.”

He acknowledged the vast gathering with a sense of humility, stating, “I have been chosen without my own merit, and now I approach you as a brother wishing to serve in faith and joy.”

The Pope’s primary aspiration is that the “integrated church” will challenge an economic framework that perpetuates hatred and marginalizes the poor. “We aim to be a small piece of unity and fraternity in the world,” he said, calling for action to approach Christ and spread His comfort and enlightenment.

This appeal for unity comes amid ongoing debates within the Catholic Church, particularly following Pope Francis’ liberal leadership, which some conservatives have resisted—especially regarding his stance on issues like mass migration and LGBTQ+ rights. A notable point of contention remains the limitations imposed on traditional Latin Mass during Francis’ papacy.

“It’s not about force or religious propaganda,” Pope Leo emphasized. “It’s about loving as Jesus did.” He also mentioned his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, and highlighted the importance of addressing social and economic challenges faced by the working class.

Referencing decades of missionary work in Peru’s impoverished areas, he urged, “Let us walk towards God and love each other,” calling for collaboration among all people, regardless of their faith, to foster a new world of peace.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Pope Leo XIV offered a poignant prayer expressing sorrow for those suffering due to war, urging an end to global conflicts. “In our joy of faith, we must not forget our brothers and sisters who are suffering from war,” he stated.

He particularly noted the plight of children, families, and the elderly in Gaza, pointing out the tragic loss of innocent lives in Myanmar and the ongoing need for negotiations for peace in Ukraine.

Following the service, the Pope personally met with Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky and his wife. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also attended and suggested that the Vatican could potentially mediate to help resolve the conflict with Russia.