Rajya Sabha Dy Chair attends inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV

ANI May 18, 2025 236 views

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chair Harivansh represented India at Pope Leo XIV's historic inaugural Mass in Vatican City. The first American pontiff condemned economic inequality and called for church unity during his homily. World leaders including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine's Zelenskyy attended the ceremony. Pope Leo XIV, who previously served as a missionary in Peru, emphasized rejecting power struggles within the Church.

"There is no room in the Catholic Church for religious propaganda or power plays" - Pope Leo XIV
Vatican City, May 18: Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh attended the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City on Sunday.

Key Points

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Harivansh extends India's greetings at Vatican ceremony

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First American Pope condemns exploitation of the poor

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Event attended by US VP Vance and Zelenskyy

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Leo XIV stresses unity in divided Catholic Church

Harivansh extended best wishes on behalf of the people of India, as per a statement by the Office of Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha said.

Leo XIV, the first ever American Pope, condemned the exploitation of the poor and called for unity in the church during his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square, an event attended by world leaders, royalty and thousands of believers, as per CNN.

The 267th pontiff arrived at the Vatican on the popemobile and was welcomed by cheers from the huge crowds as he toured St. Peter's Square in the specially designed motor vehicle for the first time. Approximately 1,00,000 people had gathered at the start of the Mass, according to authorities.

During his tour on the popemobile, Pope Leo was seen to stop briefly and kiss a child, CNN reported.

Chants of "Viva il Papa" were repeated several times, and there were shouts of joy and loud applause as the pontiff entered St. Peter's Square for the start of the Mass.

Among those in attendance at Sunday's two-hour long liturgy included US Vice-President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who were seen shaking hands with one another before the start of the service. Leo is due to meet Zelenskyy later on Sunday, as per 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, as per CNN.

Delivering his homily - a key moment in the service for the new pope to signal his priorities - 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 Pope Francis.

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

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
It's wonderful to see Indian representation at such a significant global religious event. Harivansh ji represented our secular values beautifully. The Pope's message about economic equality resonates strongly in India too where we're fighting poverty. 🙏
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Rahul M.
While I appreciate the gesture, I wonder if our leaders should focus more on domestic interfaith harmony first. We have enough religious tensions at home without sending representatives to foreign religious ceremonies. Just my two paise.
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Ananya S.
The new Pope seems progressive! His condemnation of economic exploitation aligns with Gandhian philosophy. Hope he continues Pope Francis's interfaith outreach - India could benefit from such dialogue given our diversity. The image of him kissing the child was so heartwarming! ❤️
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see an American Pope after centuries of European ones. Shows how the Catholic Church is changing. Hope he visits India soon - we have one of Asia's largest Catholic populations in Kerala and Goa.
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Sunita R.
The Vatican's grandeur is impressive but I wish religious leaders would practice more simplicity like our sadhus and saints. Still, good diplomacy by India to be represented at this historic event. The Pope's words against exploitation are much needed globally.
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Karan P.
While respecting all faiths, I hope our leaders give equal importance to Hindu religious events abroad too. Balance is important in a secular country like ours. That said, the Pope's message of unity is universal and timely.

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Pope Leo XIV Rajya Sabha Harivansh Vatican Inaugural Mass Catholic Church US VP JD Vance