Leo XIV, the first ever American pope, condemned the exploitation of the poor and called for unity in the church.
He spoke during his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square, an event attended by world leaders, royalty and tens of thousands of believers.
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 100,000 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.
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.
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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 Zelensky, who were seen shaking hands with one another before the start of the service.
Later on Sunday, Leo met Zelensky at the Vatican.
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.
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 Francis.
Leo also condemned an economic system that exploits “the Earth’s resources and marginalizes 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.”
