Pope Leo XIV's Inauguration Highlights Global Diplomacy

Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Catholic Church's traditional stance on marriage, stating that it is founded on the "stable union between a man and a woman." He also emphasized the dignity of the unborn, elderly, and immigrants during a private audience with the Vatican's diplomatic corps. The Pope, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, called on government leaders to invest in the family and respect the dignity of every person, particularly the most vulnerable. He also stressed the importance of "peace," "justice," and "truth" as pillars of the Church's missionary activity and diplomacy.

Around 250,000 people are expected to attend Pope Leo XIV's inauguration in St Peter's Square, Vatican City, where the new pontiff will be given the pallium and the fisherman's ring as symbols of his authority. The ceremony may reveal clues about the type of pope he will be, with small details potentially indicating his priorities. Pope Leo is described as "warm, attentive and a good listener" and is seen as a blend of his predecessors, with charisma like John Paul II, intellectual depth like Benedict XVI, and a focus on social issues like Francis. His decisions so far, such as wearing traditional red mozzetta and his own black shoes, suggest a balance between tradition and modernity. The Pope is expected to give a homily during the inauguration mass, outlining his concerns for the future and potentially touching on global conflict, having previously spoken about the need for peace. The event will also bring together hundreds of high-powered delegates, including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, making it a significant diplomatic occasion.

Vice President JD Vance's attendance at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass highlights the growing connection between conservative Catholicism and American politics. Pope Leo, the first American pope, has begun to position himself as a conciliatory and moderate force, finding common ground with conservative American Catholics on issues such as the dignity of workers and family values. Despite initial skepticism from some conservatives, Pope Leo's theology and administrative pragmatism have garnered cautious optimism, with some noting points of connection with the Catholic right's economic populism. The relationship between Pope Leo and Vance, a Catholic convert and the first in line to the presidency, will be closely watched, potentially marking a reset in the strained relationship between the Vatican and the American right wing.