Thousands of faithful attend the Inauguration Mass, Leo XIV officially begins his papacy

Pope Leo XIV officially began his papacy today. The Holy Inaugural Mass was held in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.

After finishing his homily, Leo XIV spoke of the need to remain "united" and briefly criticized what he called "religious propaganda."

"Brothers and sisters, I would like our first and greatest desire to be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes the yeast for a world at peace," he said.

The Pope added that the "service of Peter," the disciple of Jesus on whose tomb the Vatican is said to have been built, is distinguished by "self-sacrificing love."

Echoing the priorities of his successor, Pope Francis, Leo XIV criticized the global economic system, which he said "exploits the earth's resources and leaves the poorest behind."

Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Rome to witness the first mass of Pope Leo XIV.

Meanwhile, over 200 delegations from around the world were in the Vatican, including political figures, church representatives, and monarchs. Albania was represented by President Bajram Begaj and Foreign Minister Igli Hasani.

Also present at the mass were US Vice President James David Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. They shook hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was also invited to the mass.

Leo XIV is the 267th Pope, the first head of the Holy See from the United States.