By Mary Onyia
VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV conducted his inaugural Mass on Sunday at the Vatican, drawing thousands of faithful from across the world and a host of world leaders. The solemn event marked a new chapter in the Catholic Church as Robert Francis Prevost, 69, formerly of Chicago, officially began his papacy as the first American head of the Catholic Church.
During his homily, Pope Leo XIV passionately appealed for an end to global hostilities, urging all people and nations to embrace peace, justice, and compassion—especially toward the poor and marginalized.
“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 said.
He warned against division and exclusion, stressing the need for solidarity and openness in a fractured world.
“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 added.
Pope Leo XIV also addressed global leaders directly, urging them to prioritize peace and social justice over hatred and division, which he said are the root causes of war and poverty.
Notable attendees at the Mass included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance—a recent convert to Catholicism—and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among other prominent dignitaries.
Profile: Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine. He was ordained a priest in 1982 and spent many years serving as a missionary in Peru. Known for his theological depth and commitment to social justice, he was appointed as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023 by Pope Francis. His elevation to the papacy ten days ago marks a historic moment as he becomes the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
Throughout his clerical life, Pope Leo XIV has been a strong advocate for inclusivity, pastoral care, and the Church’s role in addressing global inequality and environmental degradation. His early messages as Pope signal a continuation of those values.