Today, May 18th, 2025, Pope Leo XIV was formally installed as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church during a grand Mass in St. Peter’s Square, marking the official start of his papacy. The first American pope, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, drew thousands of faithful and global leaders, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Britain’s Prince Edward, to witness the solemn ceremony. In his homily and recent remarks, Leo reaffirmed Catholic teachings on marriage and the sanctity of life, setting a tone of unity and fidelity to tradition as he steps into his role as leader of 1.4 billion Catholics.
The inauguration Mass, rich with symbolism, featured the bestowal of the pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring, signifying Leo’s authority as the successor to St. Peter. His homily emphasized unity, urging Catholics to heal divisions left by his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose papacy sparked debates over issues like same-sex unions. Leo used the words “unity” and “harmony” repeatedly, declaring, “It is never a question of capturing others by force, but of loving, as Jesus did,” a nod to fostering dialogue amid polarized views.
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On marriage, Leo has been unequivocal. In a May 16 address to Vatican diplomats, he affirmed that “the family is founded on the stable union between a man and a woman,” reinforcing Catholic doctrine that defines marriage as a sacred bond between one man and one woman. He also underscored the dignity of the unborn, stating that “no one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person, especially the most frail and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly.” These remarks align with his earlier statements as Cardinal Prevost, where he condemned abortion, saying, “We cannot build a just society if we discard the weakest—whether the child in the womb or the elderly in their frailty—for they are both gifts from God.”
Today’s Mass saw Leo call the Church to be a “beacon of light” in a world facing moral and spiritual challenges. While he acknowledged the need for peace, describing it as a “gift” requiring careful words and actions, his focus on traditional teachings signals a papacy rooted in Catholic orthodoxy. As Ireland and the world watch, Leo’s leadership promises to uphold the Church’s heritage while navigating modern complexities, with marriage and the unborn at the heart of his vision.
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