Pope Leo XIV calls for unified, missionary Church that opens its arms to world at inaugural mass

ANI May 18, 2025 284 views

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, delivered a powerful inaugural Mass calling for a unified, missionary Church. He condemned economic exploitation and urged humility, drawing massive crowds and global leaders. The event saw warm interactions, including the Pope kissing a child, while world figures like Zelensky and Rubio attended. His message stressed peace for Ukraine and prayers for Gaza amid humanitarian crises.

"Let us build a Church founded on God's love, a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world." – Pope Leo XIV
Vatican City, May 18: Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, celebrated his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square and emphasised the importance of building a Church founded on God's love, highlighting its role as a sign of unity and a beacon of harmony for humanity, CNN reported.

Key Points

1

Pope Leo XIV emphasizes unity in the Catholic Church

2

Condemns economic systems exploiting the poor

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Draws 100,000 attendees including global leaders

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Echoes humility of predecessor Francis

He further condemned the exploitation of the poor and called for unity in the church.

"With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit, let us build a Church founded on God's love, a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made "restless" by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity," Pope wrote on X.

https://x.com/Pontifex/status/1924085059889340900

The ceremony drew thousands of believers, world leaders, and royalty.

As Pope Leo XIV arrived at the Vatican on the popemobile, he was greeted with cheers and applause from the massive crowd. Approximately 100,000 people attended the Mass, witnessing the 267th pontiff's warm interactions.

During his tour on the popemobile, Pope Leo was seen stopping briefly and kissing a child, as per CNN.

The crowd's enthusiasm was palpable, with repeated chants of "Viva il Papa" filling the air.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including US Vice President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders were seen shaking hands before the service. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with President Zelensky later on Sunday.

According to CNN, also present was the President of Peru, Dina Boluarte, the leader of the country where Pope Leo served as both a missionary and a bishop for several decades.

Countries from across the globe were represented, with the Vatican hosting delegates from more than 150 nations.

In his first homily as Pope, Leo XIV emphasised the need for unity within the Catholic Church, cautioning against internal divisions and power struggles. He also condemned economic systems that exploit the planet and marginalise the poor.

Leo said there was no room in the Catholic Church for "religious propaganda" or power plays, and instead called for unity, a possible reference to divisions among reformists and conservatives that grew more stark under predecessor Francis.

Leo also condemned an economic system that exploits "the Earth's resources and marginalises the poorest."

The pontiff echoed the humility of Francis, saying he was not chosen for the role of head of the Catholic Church for merits of his own and instead takes it on as a "brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy."

At the end of the Mass, Leo called for a "just and lasting peace' in Ukraine and offered prayers for Gaza, where "children, families, the elderly, survivors are reduced to hunger."

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
It's heartening to see the new Pope emphasize unity and care for the poor. In India, where poverty is still a major challenge, his words about economic exploitation resonate deeply. Hope his leadership brings positive change globally 🙏
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Priya M.
Interesting to see an American Pope! His focus on missionary work makes me wonder how this will affect interfaith relations in diverse countries like India. The Catholic Church has done good work in education here, but hope they respect local traditions too.
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Arjun S.
While I appreciate his message of peace, I wish religious leaders would speak more strongly about the persecution of minorities in neighboring countries like Pakistan and China. Global religious freedom should be a priority.
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Sunita R.
His concern for Ukraine and Gaza is commendable, but what about conflicts closer to home? The Rohingya crisis in Myanmar affects our borders too. Hope the Vatican takes a more active role in South Asian humanitarian issues.
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Vikram J.
The new Pope's background as a missionary in Peru gives him valuable grassroots experience. In India, we've seen how missionary schools have contributed to education, but sometimes at the cost of local culture. Balance is key!
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Neha P.
His message about economic exploitation is spot on! In India, we see both foreign corporations and local elites exploiting resources and workers. Maybe religious leaders can push for more ethical business practices? 🤔
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Karan D.
The Pope's call for unity is beautiful, but I hope it includes respecting all faiths equally. In our diverse subcontinent, we

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Pope Leo XIV Vatican Catholic Church inaugural Mass unity missionary St. Peter’s Square