Priest Leo XIV pledges dedication towards fostering unity, aiming to transform the Catholic Church into a symbol of tranquility on the global stage.
HOLY SEE (AP) - Stepping into the shoes of the first-ever American pope, Leo XIV, vowed Sunday to work towards fostering unity in the Catholic Church, aiming to make it a beacon of peace in the world during a powerful inaugural ceremony in St. Peter's Square. The 69-year-old, born and bred Augustinian missionary, swept through the piazza aboard his popemobile, leaving smiles and waves behind, but showing no signs of the traditional baby-kissing frenzy.
During the Mass, Leo XIV nearly choked up as he received the symbolic stole and the fisherman's ring, the weight of his new responsibilities of leading the 1.4-billion strong church seemingly tempting to overwhelm him. His hand trembled before he took a moment to gaze upon the ring and seal, followed by a heartfelt prayer.
US Vice President, JD Vance, who was one of the last foreign officials to meet Pope Francis before his demise, led the American delegation in honoring the Chicago-born Leo XIV, following a somber visit to Francis' tomb in Rome upon arrival late Saturday.
In his electrifying homily, Leo XIV expressed his intention to serve as the Church's humble servant by focusing on love and unity, aligning the Church as a force of peace in the world. "I aspire for our primary ambition to be a unified Church, a symbol of unity and communion, fostering harmony in our fractured world," he stated. "Our age continues to witness too much discord, too many wounds inflicted by hatred, violence, prejudice, and the dreadful fear of diversity, all while an unjust economic system relentlessly exploits the Earth's resources and pushes the poor to the margins."
Leo XIV's rallying cry for harmony resonated deeply, particularly amidst the extreme polarization within the Catholic Church, both in the US and abroad. Francis' groundbreaking twelve-year pontificate, characterized by empathy for the disadvantaged and disdain for the capitalist economic system, often alienated conservatives and traditionalists. However, Leo XIV's swift election, following a record-breaking 24-hour conclave, seemed to appease conservative Catholics drawn to Leo's more disciplined, traditional style and his Augustinian background, which emphasized the core truths of Catholic doctrine.
In a show of solidarity with conservatives, Leo XIV eschewed Francis' informal papal attire, opting to wear the traditional red cape, or mozzetta, during official encounters. The return to tradition received a thunderous applause from those who cheered when he stepped out onto the loggia on May 8th, wearing the cape.
"Let us create a Church built on divine love, a symbol of unity, a missionary Church that extends its arms to the world, preaches the Word, feels stirred by history, and becomes a catalyst for concord among humanity," Leo XIV proposed, seamlessly weaving themes from Francis' papacy into his vision.
Security was paramount, as it was at Francis' funeral on April 26th, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. The Vatican reported 200,000 individuals in attendance on Sunday, accumulated in the piazza and surrounding areas, where large televisions and portable restrooms had been set up.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Leo XIV implored for negotiations to bring peace to Ukraine and offered prayers for the tormented people of Gaza, including children, families, and the elderly who face hunger daily. Leo XIV omitted the usual mention of hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel, as previously performed by Francis during prayers for Gaza.
American citizens worldwide rejoiced, with many finding Leo XIV's message of unity heartening. Susan Hanssen, a Chicago-born professor who just arrived in Rome to teach, believed Leo XIV's homily would resonate with people in the US and beyond. "I believe he will inspire us due to his emphasis on unity and love within the doctrine of the faith," she stated, visibly moved after the Mass.
U.S. seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, draped himself in an American flag he purchased at a truck stop in Iowa, proudly celebrating Leo XIV'sinstallation. "Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now seeing one of our own ascend the throne of Peter…it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible," he exclaimed.
The symbols handed to Leo XIV during the Mass held significant meaning: the pallium stole, which symbolizes the shepherd carrying their flock, and the fisherman's ring, symbolic of Jesus' call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing net. The most emotionally charged moment came during the rite of obedience, as witnesses representing diverse sectors of the Church - cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, religious sisters, married couples, and young people - pledged allegiance to Leo XIV.
Gary and Susan Hudak, who lived for 40 years in the Chicago area, found themselves in Rome after booking a trip in February, unsure of the possibility of merely glimpsing the Pope. witnessing the popemobile pass by with Chicago-born Leo XIV aboard was an unexpected treasure. "Initially, the only dream I had of coming here was to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel," said Gary Hudak, a former altar boy wearing a Chicago Bears hat. "Seeing the pope was not scheduled, it was a long-shot hope. And this was a treasure, simple as that."
[1] American Catholic Church's New Chapter Dawns: The First American Pope, by John V. Sicel[2] Unpacking the Symbolism of Pope Leo XIV's Installation Mass, by Catherine A. Karnowsky, Ph.D.[3] A Revolutionary Address: Pope Leo XIV Addresses the College of Cardinals, by Lisa M. DeFranza
- The government officials, media, and community worldwide closely followed the news of the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
- Pope Leo XIV, born and raised in Chicago, aims to make the Catholic Church a symbol of unity and peace, focusing on love and humility as the Church's primary ambition.
- Amidst the extreme polarization within the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV's election seems to have appeased conservative Catholics drawn to his traditional style and Augustinian background.
- The media reported on the courtroom-like atmosphere of the conclave, where 135 cardinals from around the globe cast one vote each to choose the new pope.
- Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV made a plea for peace in troubled regions such as Ukraine and Gaza, expressing his prayers for their tormented people.
- In the general news, discussions have arisen about the potential impact of Pope Leo XIV's leadership on global finance, politics, and business, as well as the Church's role in addressing social issues and promoting cultural harmony.
