Thousands of well-wishers gathered for Leo XIV’s inaugural mass at the Vatican, which sees him formally take up his role as leader of the global Catholic Church. In attendance was the President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney among others.
According to multiple reports, over 200,000 people have gathered at the Vatican for the pope’s inaugural mass
In a brief appeal at the end of the mass, the Pope addressed several global issues pleading to world leaders to embrace peace and unity
He said Ukraine was being “martyred” – a phrase often used by predecessor Francis – and called for a “just and lasting peace”.
He also mentioned the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israel has lately launched an escalation of its war.
Leo said people in the Palestinian enclave were being “reduced to starvation”.
That followed similar messages in his first Sunday address, given one week ago.
Then, he addressed a packed St Peter’s Square with a call for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of all Israeli hostages.
