VATICAN CITY. Newly-elected Pope Leo XIV formally launched his papacy on Sunday with a passionate appeal for unity in a divided Catholic Church, vowing to honor its traditions, continue the social mission of his predecessor, and lead without becoming “an autocrat.”
The 69-year-old pontiff, born in Chicago and also a Peruvian citizen after years as a missionary, was elected on May 8 following a brief conclave that lasted less than 24 hours. A relative unknown on the global stage, Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 after a turbulent 12-year pontificate.
“I take up this mission with fear and trembling,” Leo said in his inaugural homily delivered in fluent Italian during the outdoor Mass at St. Peter’s Square, where an estimated 200,000 people gathered. “It is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a question of loving, as Jesus did.”
Crowds lining the square and surrounding streets waved U.S. and Peruvian flags, claiming Leo as the first pope from both nations. Chants of “Viva il Papa” and “Papa Leone” echoed as the new pope waved from the popemobile.
In his first major address, Leo made repeated references to “unity,” using the word seven times and “harmony” four times. He also made a pointed effort to reach out to conservatives who had felt alienated during the Francis years.
“To the conservatives who might feel orphaned, I say: the rich heritage of the Christian faith will be preserved,” Leo declared, signaling a more inclusive tone while expressing continuity with the social concerns championed by Francis, such as poverty and environmental protection.
He promised not to rule with a heavy hand. Citing the apostle Peter, Leo said: “Peter must shepherd the flock without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat, lording it over those entrusted to him. On the contrary, he is called to serve the faith of his brothers and sisters, and to walk alongside them.”
Many conservative Catholics had previously criticized Pope Francis for what they described as off-the-cuff and confusing remarks on sensitive issues like same-sex relationships. They also accused him of centralizing power and dismissing dissent.
Leo’s installation was attended by dozens of world leaders and dignitaries. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert who had previously clashed with Francis over immigration policy, led the American delegation alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Vance was seen shaking hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy before the Mass.
Later that day, Pope Leo met privately with Zelenskiy and was scheduled to receive Vance on Monday. In his final appeal after the Mass, Leo echoed Francis’ rhetoric on global conflicts, referring to Ukraine as “martyred” and urging a “just and lasting peace.” He also addressed the dire situation in Gaza, stating that residents were being “reduced to starvation.”
Leo has already outlined several papal priorities, including confronting the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and striving for peace both within the Church and globally.
Attending the Mass were the presidents of Israel, Peru, and Nigeria; the prime ministers of Italy, Canada, and Australia; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz; and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. European royalty, including Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, were also present.
As part of the ceremony, Pope Leo received two symbolic items: the pallium, a lambswool sash representing his role as a shepherd, and the Fisherman’s Ring, engraved with St. Peter holding the keys to Heaven. The ceremonial ring, which can seal papal documents, will be destroyed upon Leo’s death or resignation.
After the Mass, Leo embraced his brother Louis, who had traveled from Florida to witness the historic moment.
Dominic Venditti, a pilgrim from Seattle, shared his joy over the new pontiff: “I like how emotional and kind he is. I love his background.”
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, he does so amid both hope and expectation, aiming to reconcile a fractured Church while navigating a world gripped by conflict and change
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
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