In a powerful inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever American pope, urged the global Catholic community to reject exploitation and embrace unity, speaking before a crowd of dignitaries and pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.

The 69-year-old Chicago native, born Robert Francis Prevost, officially began his papacy just ten days after being elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. His first public mass drew a massive crowd and featured prominent guests such as US Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and other global leaders.

Riding through the Vatican in a popemobile to greet the faithful, Leo XIV later delivered a homily underscoring the Church’s role as a force for healing in a fractured world.

'Too many wounds'

“In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalises the poorest,” he declared.

He also cautioned against religious and cultural isolationism, stressing the need for inclusivity within the Church. “We are called to offer God's love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people," he stated.

At the close of his inauguration Mass, Pope Leo XIV turned his thoughts to war-torn regions as he recited the Regina Caeli. “In Gaza,” he said, “the surviving children, families and elderly are reduced to starvation,” before lamenting renewed violence in Myanmar that has "cut short innocent young lives."

Having served for years as a missionary in Peru, Pope Leo's message struck a chord with many. One pilgrim, Inacia Lisboa, a 71-year-old from Cape Verde, told AFP, “Leo has already entered my heart. I want him to pray for peace in the world, we need it so much.”

Historic first for America

Leo XIV’s elevation marks a historic moment as he becomes the first pope from the United States. The US delegation was led by Vice President Vance, a Catholic convert, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The pope’s American roots have stirred both celebration and concern over perceived US dominance on the global stage.

“There is going to be extra weight because he is American… a lot of extra eyes, and maybe criticisms,” said Sophia Tripp, a student visiting from Chicago. Still, she remained hopeful, “We are all human, and we should just all be loving to one another.”

Other attendees included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Italian authorities deployed heightened security measures, including snipers and anti-drone systems.

In a separate development, Pope Leo acknowledged the weight of his new role, describing his election as an act of grace, not merit.

“I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy,” he said.

Before the mass, the pontiff visited the tomb of Saint Peter, regarded as the first pope in Christian tradition. He also received the pallium and the fisherman’s ring, the traditional emblems of the papacy.

Succeeding the late Pope Francis, Leo XIV inherits a Church still grappling with the clerical abuse crisis and its evolving place in the modern world. Despite those challenges, his early days have focused heavily on themes of peace, inclusion, and social justice,  ideals he seems committed to upholding throughout his papacy.