New pope ignites hope with bold call for peace and justice

At his first Mass as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV inspired crowds in St. Peter’s Square with a passionate appeal for unity, fairness, and compassion. Addressing tens of thousands of worshippers and dignitaries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the pontiff decried global systems that, he said, plunder the planet and push the vulnerable to the fringes.

He emphasized that his papacy would be guided by humility and a commitment to service, steering clear of authoritarian tendencies. The crowd responded with visible emotion as the Pope received the pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring — sacred emblems of his new role.

Following the Mass, Pope Leo met privately with Zelensky and his wife, offering prayers for Ukraine. He acknowledged the suffering caused by the ongoing war and renewed calls for honest diplomatic talks. Zelensky thanked the pontiff for his unwavering moral stance and support for a peaceful resolution.

Pilgrims from around the globe, from Missouri to Munich, came to witness history unfold. Many shared a sense of renewal and spiritual revival. Some had traveled for days just to be present at the inaugural moment of a pope hailed for his message of healing and inclusion.

In a powerful benediction, Pope Leo urged the world to abandon fear and embrace hope. “Let peace be with you,” he said — words that resonated far beyond the Vatican walls.

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