Pope Leo XIV celebrates inaugural Mass at Vatican
Pope Leo XIV has celebrated his inaugural Mass at the Vatican with delegations from about 150 countries and territories taking part.
The Vatican says more than 150,000 Catholics and other people from around the world gathered at St Peter's Square on Sunday. They cheered the newly elected Pontiff as he rode into the square in his popemobile.
Pope Leo went to the basement of St Peter's Basilica to visit the grave of St Peter, the apostle who became the first pope. He received the fisherman's ring that symbolizes his papal authority.
The Vatican says delegations from more than 150 nations and territories and international organizations were at the Mass. The guests included Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance. Former Japanese Prime Minister Aso Taro also attended.
Pope Leo has been calling for the peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip and other regions.
He said, "In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice."
He expressed his resolve to contribute to global peace, saying, "For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world."
The Pope has also indicated his willingness to mediate negotiations between warring parties.
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