Newly elected Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday following his official inauguration Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he made a strong appeal for peace in Ukraine and unity within the Catholic Church.
Addressing thousands of worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his first major public address as pope, Leo XIV said, “The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen.” His remarks highlighted the Vatican’s concern over the ongoing conflict and its commitment to supporting a diplomatic resolution.
The inauguration drew dignitaries from around the world, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Pope Leo was seen greeting President Zelensky and other leaders, signaling his intention to engage actively in global diplomacy.
During his homily, the pontiff condemned injustice, exploitation, and division, warning against autocracy and the marginalization of vulnerable populations. “Let us reject hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest,” he urged.
Pope Leo also emphasized his leadership style would be rooted in humility and inclusiveness. “I will seek to govern without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat,” he said.
The ceremony blended solemn tradition with jubilant celebration. Crowds of pilgrims, tourists, and international guests filled the square, erupting in applause as the pope passed through in the popemobile.
Among those in attendance was Michelle, a pilgrim from Germany. “I came on purpose to see the Pope. It’s very crazy because there are so many people,” she said. Joe, a tourist from Missouri, expressed excitement at witnessing the first American pope’s inauguration. “It’s very special. I’m glad we came early. He’s going to be a wonderful Pope.”
Pia, a Chilean philosophy professor at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, expressed hope for the future of the Church. “There is a new hope in the Church,” she said. “He knows what the world and the Church need—hope and peace.”
After the Mass, Pope Leo received the traditional symbols of his office: the pallium, symbolizing his role as shepherd; the Ring of the Fisherman, engraved with an image of St. Peter; and the Book of the Gospels, which he raised to bless the crowd.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze
