Pope Leo XIV known as for world unity and condemned the risks of unchecked capitalism and energy throughout his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, addressing tens of hundreds of worshippers and dignitaries.
“In our time, we still witness too much discord, too many wounds inflicted by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of others, and an economic system that exploits the earth’s resources and sidelines the poor,” the brand new pope stated from the Vatican.
Leo, 69, previously Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, stated he hoped the Catholic Church would function a drive for therapeutic and reconciliation.
The Mass marked the official begin of his papacy, following his May 8 election because the 267th pope. Since then, he has persistently urged world leaders to finish world conflicts and just lately supplied the Vatican as a venue for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
The newly minted pontiff is taken into account a average bridge-builder who can mediate between totally different camps inside the Church. It is extensively believed that this was one of many causes he was chosen so surprisingly rapidly by the conclave of cardinals.
In his inaugural message, Pope Leo stated he would work on unifying the Church – and that this cohesion might serve for instance for others.
“Dear brothers and sisters, I would like this to be our first great desire: a united Church, a sign of unity and communion that becomes the leaven of a reconciled world,” he stated in his homily, talking in Italian.
“I was chosen without any merit, and I come to you with fear and trembling, as a brother who wishes to make himself a servant of your faith and your joy, and to walk with you on the path of God’s love, who wants us all to be one family,” continued Leo, who’s the primary pope from the United States but in addition holds Peruvian citizenship.
During the service, the pope acquired two gadgets representing papal authority: the gold signet Fisherman’s Ring, which options an engraving of the Apostle Peter fishing–symbolizing Jesus’ phrases that he would make Peter a “fisher of men”–in addition to a lamb’s wool pallium, symbolizing the pope’s position as shepherd.
Speaking the Regina Caeli prayer, Leo known as on the world to not overlook the various conflicts raging throughout the globe, singling out Gaza, Myanmar and Ukraine.
Praying for individuals within the areas, the brand new head of the Roman Catholic Church stated in St. Peter’s Square earlier than some 200,000 individuals: “Amid the joy of faith and communion, we must not forget those brothers and sisters who are suffering from war.”
“In Gaza, children, families and elderly people who have survived are starving. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cost innocent lives. And tormented Ukraine is eagerly awaiting negotiations on a just and lasting peace,” Leo stated.
Leo arrived at his inauguration within the popemobile, waving and smiling to onlookers speeding to catch a glimpse of the brand new chief of the Roman Catholic Church, following the loss of life of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on April 21. Numerous U.S. flags, in addition to Peruvian flags, could possibly be seen within the crowd.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte had been in attendance.
Leo met with Zelensky within the afternoon following the Mass. Posting on X after the assembly, the Ukrainian president thanked the pope for his help and known as him “a symbol of hope for peace.”
“We appreciate the support for Ukraine and the clear voice in defense of a just and lasting peace,” he added.
Despite studies that the pontiff was anticipated to fulfill with the U.S. vice chairman, a transformed Catholic, it remained unclear whether or not the assembly would occur earlier than Vance’s return to the United States.
Source: www.dailysabah.com