Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky following the inauguration Mass.
Posting on Telegram after the meeting, Zelensky thanked the new Catholic leader for “support for Ukraine” and “a clear voice to protect just and lasting peace.”
The Pope, who dealt with thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square, used his first Mass to highlight concerns about war in Ukraine, and also warned of the alienation of poor people and dictatorships.
Zelensky, US Vice President J.D. Vance, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among the top officials present.
The Pope was photographed shaking hands with Ukrainian leaders and thanked the Vatican “it is ready to become a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.”
Last week, Pope Leo offered the Vatican as the venue for peace negotiations after Russian President Vladimir Putin refused Zelensky’s offer to meet Turkey face-to-face for negotiations.
The Pope used his Mass to criticize “hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of difference, and the economic paradigm that exploits the resources of the planet and alienates the poorest.”
He also said he would try to govern “without succumbing to the temptation of being a dictator.”
Thousands of pilgrims stood in honor as the Pope received the symbols of his office, blessed the people and urged unity.
Before the Mass there was a cheer from the crowd as the clergy appeared at the Popemovie.
There was a strong sense of excitement in the square. Michel, a native of Germany, told the BBC that he “deliberately came to see the Pope.”
“I arrived yesterday morning and I’m leaving in a few hours, so I don’t have much time. There are so many people, so it’s so crazy. I wanted to see the Pope.”
While many of the tens of thousands of people attended were Catholics, tourists have also become part of the historic opportunity.
Joe, who originally from Missouri, USA, said, “We’re on vacation, but it’s a great timing. We’re here to see the Pope’s first Mass. It’s very special. We’re happy to come early.”
He said he is “very proud” to see the first pope from America. “That was a surprise. He’ll be a great Pope. I’m not Catholic, but I grew up Catholic, which is inspiring no matter what denomination you are.”
Also among the crowd was Chilean Pier, a professor of philosophy at the Pope University of the Holy Cross in Rome. She told the BBC she felt there was “new hope in the church.”
Peer said in the first words of the Pope when he was elected, “Let me peace with you,” it was Jesus’ words. And he said, “Don’t be afraid.”
“He knows what the world and the church needs. A church that preaches hope and peace. I think a lot of people are waiting for that,” she said.
The official inauguration of the Pope continued Mass in pallium garments (white wool bands) placed on the Pope’s shoulder and secured with three pins representing the claws on the cross.
Cardinal Louis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines placed the fisherman’s ring on the pope’s finger.
Pope Leo then took a Gospel book to bless the people.
