Leo XIV, the first American Pope, condemned the exploitation of the poor and called for unity in the church during his inaugural mass in St. Peter’s Square, an event that was attended by world leaders, royalty members and tens of thousands of faithful.
The 267th Pontiff arrived at the Vatican at Paparmobile and was received with applause by the crowd as he first traveled to St. Peter’s Square in the specially designed motor vehicle. Approximately 100,000 people gathered at the beginning of the Mass, according to the authorities.
During his tour of Paparmobile, Pope Lion was seen stopping briefly and kissing a child.
Songs of “Viva Il Papa” were repeated several times, and there were shouts of joy and strong applause when the Pontiff entered St. Peter’s Square to the beginning of the Mass.
Among those present in the two-hour liturgy on Sunday were US Vice President Jd Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who were seen by squeezing his hands before the ceremony began. Later, on Sunday, Leo met Zelensky at the Vatican.
Also present was the president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, leader of the country where Pope Leo served as a missionary and bishop for several decades.
Countries around the world were represented, with the Vatican receiving delegates from over 150 nations.
In his homily – a crucial moment in the ceremony for the new Pope to signal his priorities – Leo said there was no space in the Catholic Church for “religious propaganda” or power games, and instead asked unity a possible reference to divisions between reformists and conservatives who got worse under predecessor Francis.
Leo also condemned an economic system that explores “the land resources and marginalizes the poorest.”
This content was originally published in Papa Leo condemns exploitation of the poor and calls for unity in the church in Mass on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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