Pope Leo XIV Kicks Off Reign with Calls for Unity
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV promises to embrace modern challenges and uphold tradition in front of a massive crowd at St. Peter’s Square.
In a historic Mass at St. Peter’s Square packed with cheering crowds and waving flags, Pope Leo XIV officially stepped into his role as the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City — and made one thing crystal clear: he’s not here to rule like an “autocrat.”
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The 69-year-old Chicago-born pontiff, who also holds Peruvian citizenship thanks to his years as a missionary in Peru, struck a balance between tradition and progress in his opening sermon. “The cardinals have chosen someone capable of preserving the rich heritage of the Christian faith and, at the same time, looking to the future,” he said in fluent Italian.
Fans chanted “Viva il Papa!” and “Papa Leone!” as his popemobile rolled through the square. US and Peruvian flags flew high — both countries proudly staking a claim to the first pope from their lands.
Pope Leo succeeds the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 after a transformative 12-year reign. The conclave that elected Leo on May 8 wrapped up in less than 24 hours, choosing Cardinal Robert Prevost, a relatively low-profile figure elevated to cardinal just two years ago.
Global leaders turned up in force for the installation. The UAE was represented by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. US Vice President JD Vance, known for past clashes with Francis, led the American delegation and had a brief encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stirring headlines once again.
Pope Leo emphasized his commitment to continuing Francis’ mission on issues like poverty and climate change, signaling that he intends to face modern challenges head-on while holding tightly to the Church’s spiritual core.
As part of the ceremony, he received the pallium—a woolen vestment symbolizing his role as shepherd of the Church—and the “fisherman’s ring,” engraved with St. Peter holding Heaven’s keys. The ring will be ceremonially destroyed after his death or resignation.
Pope Leo’s message to the world? The Church is moving forward, but not without honoring where it came from.
This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here