Pope Leo XIV Holds Inaugural Mass at Vatican, World Leaders Attend
Wafric News – May 18, 2025
Vatican City – A powerful message of peace, humility, and justice echoed through St. Peter’s Square on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever American pope, delivered his inaugural mass before hundreds of thousands of worshippers and dignitaries from across the globe.
In his homily, the newly elected pontiff condemned hatred, prejudice, environmental exploitation, and the neglect of the world’s poor — calling on both religious and political leaders to recommit to global compassion and unity.
The mass marked the first official outing in the popemobile for Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal John Leo of New York, as he was driven through the jubilant crowd gathered at the heart of the Vatican.
Among those in attendance were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, seen in a rare public handshake with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, symbolizing a moment of diplomatic recognition amid ongoing global tensions.
The presence of diverse world leaders, including those from conflict-affected nations and major world powers, highlighted the significance of this new chapter for the Catholic Church under an American papacy — a first in the institution’s 2,000-year history.
As the Vatican opens its next era under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, eyes around the world — including in Africa, where the Church continues to grow — will be watching how his messages of inclusion and ecological justice translate into action.
By WafricNews Desk.
By WafricNews Desk.
Comment
To post a comment, you have to login first
LoginNo Comments Yet...