Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, made his debut tour of St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, receiving a jubilant welcome from tens of thousands of pilgrims and visitors.
Riding through the square in the iconic popemobile, the Chicago-born pontiff smiled, waved, and blessed the crowds, ahead of his official inauguration Mass at the Vatican.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, the 69-year-old became the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on May 8, 2025. His inauguration marks a historic chapter in the Church’s history, not only because of his nationality but also due to the global attention surrounding his vision for the future.
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Among the dignitaries expected to witness the elaborate ceremony is U.S. Vice President JD Vance, highlighting the significance of Pope Leo’s American roots. During the Mass, he will receive the traditional papal ring and deliver a homily expected to set the tone for his leadership.
Though not widely known outside ecclesiastical circles, Pope Leo brings with him decades of missionary experience, particularly in Peru, where he served for 20 years. Over the past week, he has offered glimpses of his pastoral priorities in meetings with clergy, diplomats, and media representatives.
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He has called persistently for peace amid rising global tensions and underscored the Church’s commitment to social justice. In his early remarks, the Pope also reaffirmed traditional Catholic teachings, particularly on family values and the sanctity of life, emphasizing the importance of marriage as a union between a man and a woman and defending the rights of the unborn.
As the Vatican enters this new era under Pope Leo XIV, the global Catholic community watches closely to see how his deep missionary background, American perspective, and blend of pastoral compassion with doctrinal conviction will shape the future of the Church.
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