During his inaugural mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV emphasized unity and acknowledged those affected by conflict.

Vatican News reported that the 69-year-old Augustinian missionary, the first pope from the United States, addressed a crowd of 200,000 on Sunday. 

According to the Associated Press, he stated in his homily, “My greatest wish is for a unified Church, a symbol of unity and communion, that will act as a catalyst for global reconciliation.”

“Even now, we are witnessing excessive conflict and deep wounds inflicted by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of difference, and an economic system that exploits the planet and neglects the impoverished.”

His plea for unity carries weight, considering the widespread polarization in the United States and around the world.

While praying the Regina Caeli, Leo said, “In the joy of faith and communion, we must remember our brothers and sisters enduring the hardships of war,” specifically mentioning Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine. 

He expressed feeling “strongly felt the spiritual presence of Pope Francis accompanying us from heaven.”

He concluded by urging Catholics to seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the titles “Star of the Sea and Our Lady of Good Counsel,” for his ministry.

“We ask for her intercession,” he said, “for the gift of peace, for support and comfort to those who are suffering, and for the grace for us all to bear witness to the Risen Lord.”

Leo XIV officially commenced his papacy with his first popemobile tour, a traditional event associated with the papacy’s global influence.

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