First American Pope Leo XIV Emphasizes Catholic Unity/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Leo XIV launched his historic papacy Sunday with a call for unity across a deeply divided Catholic Church and world. Celebrating his inaugural Mass before 200,000 people in St. Peter’s Square, Leo—history’s first American pope—pledged to promote love, peace, and reconciliation. His message struck a chord amid ongoing tensions between conservative and progressive Catholics.
Pope Leo’s Inaugural Mass: Quick Looks
- Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, inaugurated his papacy in Vatican City.
- He emphasized healing polarization within the Catholic Church and global society.
- Estimated 200,000 attendees filled St. Peter’s Square for the historic Mass.
- Leo wore traditional papal garments, signaling a return to formalism appreciated by conservatives.
- He choked up during the placement of the papal stole and fisherman’s ring.
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance led the American delegation in Rome.
- Leo called for unity, peace, and dignity in a divided world.
- Representatives from over 30 faiths and multiple governments attended the ceremony.
- Security was tight following Pope Francis’ funeral weeks prior.
- Leo expressed hope for peace in Ukraine and prayers for Gaza’s civilians.
First American Pope Leo XIV Emphasizes Catholic Unity
Deep Look
Pope Leo XIV Begins Papacy With Emotional Plea for Unity Across a Divided Church
VATICAN CITY — Standing before a sea of flags and faithful, Pope Leo XIV formally launched his papacy Sunday by pledging to bridge divides in the Catholic Church and offer a message of peace and unity to a fractured world. The 69-year-old American, born in Chicago, is the first pope from the United States and begins his tenure at a time of deep theological and ideological polarization within Catholicism.
Delivering his homily before 200,000 pilgrims, dignitaries, and religious leaders from around the globe in St. Peter’s Square, Leo called for a Church rooted in love, mission, and reconciliation. He described his vision for a united church that becomes a healing force across global conflicts and internal divisions.
“Let us build a church founded on God’s love,” he said. “A sign of unity… that opens its arms to the world, allows itself to be made restless by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity.”
A Symbolic Beginning
Leo appeared deeply moved when receiving the traditional symbols of the papacy — the pallium, a wool stole symbolizing pastoral care, and the fisherman’s ring, representing the authority passed from St. Peter. He paused, examined the ring, and bowed his head in solemn prayer.
The inaugural Mass was also Leo’s first ride in the popemobile, where he waved to flag-waving crowds and stopped to bless infants. Among the flags: American, Peruvian, and others from nations recognizing Leo’s dual identity as a U.S.-born Augustinian missionary who served extensively in Latin America.
Traditionalism and a New Tone
Leo’s red mozzetta — a papal garment abandoned by Francis in favor of simplicity — made a powerful statement to conservatives who longed for a return to tradition. While his call for unity echoed themes of his predecessor, Leo’s embrace of formality and order suggests a potential shift in tone.
Still, Leo signaled openness and personal humility. After the Mass, he embraced his older brother, Louis Prevost — a self-described “MAGA-type” — breaking protocol and reminding observers that reconciliation starts at home.
His message acknowledged modern global and spiritual crises: “In this time, we still see too much discord… too many wounds caused by hatred, prejudice, and an economic paradigm that marginalizes the poor and exploits the Earth.”
Who Attended: A Global Gathering
Security was tight, and the event matched the scale of Pope Francis’ funeral, which drew 250,000. On Sunday, 200,000 pilgrims and observers packed the Vatican and surrounding streets, where giant screens displayed the Mass.
Diplomatic protocol determined front-row seating. Both the U.S. and Peru had prominent placement due to Leo’s connections. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte were among a dozen heads of state in attendance.
Vance, a convert to Catholicism, paid respects at Francis’ tomb Saturday and met with Leo after the Mass.
The Vatican also hosted religious representatives from across Christian denominations and global faiths, including Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Zoroastrian leaders. Catholic royalty, such as Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Charlene of Monaco, wore white — a rare privilege granted to Catholic queens.
Leo’s First International Focus: Ukraine and Gaza
At the conclusion of the Mass, Pope Leo offered prayers for the world’s war-torn regions. He called for a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and mourned the suffering of civilians in Gaza, referencing starvation among children and the elderly.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the Mass and later met with Pope Leo and U.S. officials. In a statement, Zelenskyy reiterated the need for a “full and unconditional ceasefire” and urged continued diplomatic pressure on Russia.
Although Leo mentioned Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, he did not reference Israeli hostages, a deviation from Francis’ usual balance. The shift underscores the new pope’s focus on direct humanitarian impact rather than political framing.
American Catholics React
For many American Catholics, Leo’s ascension is both emotional and symbolic. Susan Hanssen, a professor from Chicago newly based in Rome, said the pope’s message resonated deeply.
“What I particularly loved was the phrasing — unity within the doctrine of the faith, and then in love,” she said.
Ethan Menning, a 21-year-old seminarian from Omaha, Nebraska, came to Rome wrapped in an American flag.
“Rome always felt like home for a Catholic,” he said. “But now… seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter makes Jesus himself feel more accessible.”
Gregory and Susan Hudak, longtime Chicago residents, happened to be visiting Rome and were stunned to see the new pope.
“Seeing Leo in the popemobile was even better than watching Michael Jordan play,” said Gregory.
Looking Ahead
Pope Leo’s call for unity was as much a signal to the Church’s clergy as to the laity. After 12 transformative years under Pope Francis, Leo’s leadership promises both continuity and contrast: traditional in dress, but reform-minded in spirit. His pontificate begins with a challenge — to heal one of the most divided eras in modern Catholic history.
“Unity will not come easily,” Leo said. “But it must remain our greatest desire.”
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