Articles in this Cluster
19-05-2025
Pope Leo XIV held his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square, calling for unity and praying for those suffering due to war. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary, the first American pope, spoke to a crowd of 200,000, saying the church should be a "sign of unity and communion" in a world marked by discord and violence. He mentioned specific conflicts in Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine, and invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for peace and comfort for those suffering.
19-05-2025
Pope Leo XIV has called for unity at his inaugural Mass at the Vatican, attended by thousands of faithful and world leaders, including Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky. The Pope criticized economic systems that exploit the Earth's resources and marginalize the poor, and stated he would govern without being an autocrat. He also noted efforts to end the war in Ukraine and met with Zelensky, who thanked him for his support for Ukraine and clear voice in defense of peace. The Mass drew attendance from dignitaries including US Vice President JD Vance and European royals. The Pope offered the Vatican as a venue for possible peace talks after Russian President Vladimir Putin turned down Zelensky's offer to meet face-to-face in Turkey.
19-05-2025
Pope Leo XIV called for unity in the Catholic Church during his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square, attended by around 150,000 people, including high-ranking officials and dignitaries. He emphasized the importance of love and unity in the papacy, saying the church should be a force for peace in a world marked by discord and division. The Pope expressed hope for a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine and prayed for the people of Gaza, but did not mention hostages taken by Hamas. He also met with various delegations, including US Vice President JD Vance, and had audiences scheduled with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte.
19-05-2025
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, held his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on May 18, 2025, attended by heads of state, royalty, and thousands of faithful, including Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance. The Pope toured the square on his popemobile before the Mass, interacting with attendees and meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to discuss topics such as family and respect. Cardinals participated in the Mass, during which Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle placed the Ring of the Fisherman on Pope Leo XIV's finger.
19-05-2025
Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Catholic Church's traditional stance on marriage, stating it is based on a "stable union between a man and a woman." In a private address to the Vatican's diplomatic corps, he also emphasized the dignity of vulnerable individuals, including the unborn, elderly, and immigrants. The Pope called on government leaders to invest in the family and protect the dignity of all people, regardless of their circumstances. He also highlighted the importance of peace, justice, and truth in the Church's missionary activity and diplomacy.
19-05-2025
Pope Leo XIV held his inaugural mass in St Peter's Square, greeting tens of thousands of people and receiving symbols of the papacy. He presented himself as a humble leader pledging to promote peace and unity, criticizing economic systems that marginalize the poor. The Pope emphasized the need for peace, mentioning conflicts in Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine, and met with VIPs including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A hug with his brother Louis highlighted the significant change in Leo's life, from being a cardinal from Chicago to becoming one of the world's most powerful leaders.
19-05-2025
Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated at the Vatican, vowing to resist the "temptation to be an autocrat" and condemning "religious propaganda". The 69-year-old pontiff, who is a joint US-Peruvian citizen, was greeted by tens of thousands of people and world leaders, including Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He called for a "united church" and a "reconciled world", criticising "hatred, violence, prejudice" and an "economic paradigm that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalises the poorest". The Pope paid tribute to his predecessors, Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII, and was presented with symbols of the papacy, including the lambswool stole and the fisherman's ring. Around 200,000 people attended the inaugural mass in St Peter's Square.
