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 called the Catholic Church to serve as a beacon of unity among hatred and violence in the homily during his inaugural Mass. The pope echoed a quote from Leo XIII on love prevailing over conflict.
Vice President JD Vance returned to Rome for the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, continuing a spiritual journey that has weathered criticism from leaders of the Catholic Church.
