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.

This is the missionary spirit that must animate us; not closing ourselves off in our small groups, nor feeling superior to the world,” Pope Leo said during the Mass on Sunday

Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV received the symbols of his office during a historic inaugural Mass at the Vatican. He urged an end to global conflict and unity within the Catholic Church, as world leaders including Vice President JD Vance and President Volodymr Zelenskyy looked on.