Pope Leo XIV, the first American leader of the Catholic Church, called for peace in Gaza and Ukraine at his inaugural mass.

Tens of thousands came to St. Peter’s Square to mark the official start of the pontificate of the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Vice President JD Vance was among the dignitaries who attended.

Pope Leo XIV ’s inaugural Mass on Sunday morning in St. Peter’s Square and Basilica is a ritual filled with symbolism that