VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV vowed Sunday to work for unity in a polarized Catholic Church and world, as history’s first American pope offered a message of healing during an inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes.

As Pope Leo XIV is formally inaugurated, he vows to work for unity and peace at a time of polarization in the Catholic Church and the wider world, with leaders including Vice President Vance and Ukraine's Zelensky in attendance.

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.