Pope Leo XIV has committed to preserving the core doctrines of the Catholic Church while encouraging it to confront contemporary issues directly. He also criticised economic models that he believes harm the environment and the impoverished, reports RTE.
Addressing a large crowd in St Peter’s Square, the Pope stressed the importance of the Church, with its 1.4 billion members, remaining faithful to its traditions without becoming isolated. He stated that the Church should not be a platform for religious propaganda or a battleground for power struggles.
In a message consistent with that of Pope Francis, his predecessor, Leo condemned the current global economic order, saying it “exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest,” reports RTE.
“In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest,” the Pope declared during his inauguration mass, reports RTE.
He also cautioned against the concentration of authority within the papacy, stating his intention to lead “without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat”.
Having spent significant time as a missionary in Peru, the new Pope also spoke against isolationism, warning of the dangers of “closing ourselves off in our small groups”.
“We are called to offer God’s love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people,” he said, reports RTE.
Leo admitted he felt apprehension in taking on his new responsibilities.
“I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy,” he said, reports RTE.
During the Regina Coeli prayer concluding the mass, the Pope also drew attention to suffering in the Middle East: “in Gaza, children, families and elderly survivors are reduced to hunger”.
He also remembered Myanmar, stating: “in Myanmar, new hostilities have destroyed innocent young lives”.
Pope Leo later held a private discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reports RTE.
Mr Zelensky had been one of many world dignitaries attending the morning’s mass.
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“The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen,” the pontiff stated before their meeting, reports RTE.
Prior to the ceremony, Pope Leo paid his respects at the tomb of Saint Peter beneath the basilica’s altar.
He then received the traditional papal insignia – the pallium, worn over the chasuble, and the fisherman’s ring, which is made anew for each pontiff and will be destroyed upon his death.
Referring to Saint Peter, the apostle considered the first pope, Leo declared: “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,” reports RTE.
To highlight the continuity of the papacy from Saint Peter, the choir sang the traditional hymn “Tu es Petrus”, meaning “You are Peter” in Latin.
Just before the service began, the Pope rode around St Peter’s Square for the first time in his popemobile, smiling and greeting those in attendance.
The Church’s first pontiff born in the United States stood in the white vehicle as it passed among the cheering, flag-waving crowd gathered at the Vatican, reports RTE.
The crowd responded with chants of “Viva il Papa” and “Papa Leone”, the Italian version of his name, as the open popemobile wound its way through the square.
Originally from Chicago, the 69-year-old spent many years in Peru as a missionary and holds dual citizenship, making him the first pope from that South American country as well.
Robert Prevost, who was relatively unknown internationally and only became a cardinal two years ago, was elected as Pope on 8 May after a brief conclave that lasted less than a day, reports RTE.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert known for his past disagreements with Pope Francis over immigration policy, led the American delegation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also a Catholic.
Among the other attendees were the presidents of Peru, Israel, and Nigeria; the prime ministers of Italy, Canada, and Australia; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz; and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reports RTE.
Numerous European royals also had prominent seats near the altar, including Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia.
When he first addressed the public in St Peter’s Square after his election, his opening words were “peace be with you all”, reports RTE.
During a 14 May address to leaders of Eastern Catholic Churches—many of whom serve in conflict-prone areas like Ukraine and the Middle East—the Pope vowed to make “every effort” to promote peace.
He also said the Vatican was ready to act as a mediator in international conflicts, affirming that war is “never inevitable,” reports RTE.
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