Historic Inauguration of American Pope Leo XIV: A Message of Unity Amidst Global Tensions

Vatican City hosted the inauguration mass of the first American Pope, Leo XIV, on May 18, 2025, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees. Among the notable guests were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who engaged in a handshake with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In his address, Pope Leo XIV strongly denounced hatred, prejudice, and the exploitation of Earth's resources and the poor. The event was rich with symbolic gestures and global significance, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church and international relations. The Pope's message of unity and condemnation of injustice resonated deeply with the vast crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square. The presence of world leaders underscored the global impact of this event and the Pope's message.