Pope Leo XIV's Inauguration: A Call for Unity Amidst Global Conflict

Vatican City hosted the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV on May 18th, 2025, drawing an estimated 200,000 attendees from 150 countries. High-profile attendees included the King and Queen of Spain, US Vice President J.D. Vance, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In his address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for global fraternity and reconciliation, stating, "We want to be, within this mass, a small leaven of unity, communion, and fraternity." He also highlighted the suffering in Gaza and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, calling for a "just and lasting peace." The event signifies a new era for the Catholic Church and underscores the Pope's commitment to addressing global challenges.