The Catholic faithful came by the tens of thousands to see the formal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, in an event marked by ancient tradition and pleas for church openness and peace around the world.
The pilgrims were joined by more than 150 dignitaries, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Notably absent was U.S. President Donald Trump, who had come to Rome earlier this month to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on April 21.
Pope Leo XIV, history’s first American pope, vowed Sunday to work for unity so that the Catholic Church becomes a sign of peace in the world, offering a message of communion during an inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes.
The Associated Press
The official Vatican News site said 200,000 pilgrims attended the mass. …