Pope Calls for Unity, Vows Not to be ‘Autocrat’ at Inaugural Mass
In a grandiose inaugural mass on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV formally called for unity and vowed not to rule like “an autocrat” as he took charge of the Catholic Church. The newly elected Pope, who is the 266th leader of the Catholic Church, promised to preserve “the rich heritage of the Christian faith” and appealed to people to come together to address pressing global issues.
Delivering his homily at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation, saying that the Catholic Church must be a “house of prayer” where people can come together to worship and find solace. He also vowed to be a “servant of the servants of God” and to work towards the betterment of humanity, rather than seeking to impose his own will.
“We cannot forget our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of war,” the Pope said, as he appealed for people in Gaza, Ukraine, and Myanmar to come together to find peace and reconciliation. He also called for an end to violence and conflict, saying that it is only through peace and dialogue that true progress can be made.
Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass was a grand affair, with thousands of people in attendance, including cardinals, bishops, and other high-ranking officials from around the world. The ceremony was marked by a sense of hope and optimism, as the new Pope began his journey to lead the Catholic Church.
The Pope’s comments on unity and cooperation were seen as a significant departure from the leadership style of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was known for his more assertive and forceful approach to leadership. Pope Leo XIV’s vow to preserve the “rich heritage of the Christian faith” was also seen as a nod to the traditional values of the Catholic Church, while his appeal for unity and cooperation was seen as a recognition of the complex and challenging issues facing the world today.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV also spoke about the importance of compassion and empathy, saying that these values are essential for building a more just and equitable society. He also called for an end to poverty and inequality, saying that it is only through the eradication of these issues that true peace and prosperity can be achieved.
The Pope’s inaugural mass was marked by a sense of joy and celebration, as the new leader of the Catholic Church began his journey to lead the faithful. The ceremony was also marked by a sense of hope and optimism, as Pope Leo XIV looked to the future and the challenges that lie ahead.
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV also spoke about the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, saying that it is essential for building a more peaceful and harmonious world. He also called for greater understanding and respect between different cultures and religions, saying that it is only through these values that true progress can be made.
As the Pope looked out over the crowd, he was met with cheers and applause, as the faithful celebrated the beginning of a new era in the Catholic Church. The ceremony was a significant moment in the life of the Church, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history.
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass was a grand and significant ceremony, marking the beginning of a new era in the Catholic Church. The Pope’s call for unity and cooperation, his vow to preserve the “rich heritage of the Christian faith”, and his appeal for an end to violence and conflict were all seen as significant departures from the leadership style of his predecessor. As the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV is poised to make a significant impact on the world, and his words and actions will be closely watched by people around the world.
News Source:
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/pope-leo-take-charge-catholic-church-grandiose-inaugural-mass-2025-05-18/
