Pope Leo XIV, first American Pontiff, calls for unity at inaugural mass in St. Peter’s Square

Pope Leo XIV, the first American ever elected to the papacy, pledged on Sunday to promote unity and peace within the Catholic Church and across the globe. 

Speaking at his inaugural Mass before an estimated crowd of 200,000 that included world leaders and religious figures, Leo emphasized communion and reconciliation as the hallmarks of his papacy.

The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary marked the beginning of his pontificate with a traditional ride in the popemobile around St. Peter’s Square, smiling and waving, though he didn’t pause for the customary baby kisses. The Chicago-born pope became visibly emotional during the Mass as he received two key symbols of his new role: the lambswool stole, known as the pallium, and the fisherman’s ring—evocative of the apostle Peter’s call to become a "fisher of men."

Message of Peace and Unity

The ceremony unfolds through several key moments: the greeting of cardinals, the pope’s veneration of the Confession altar and descent to Saint Peter’s tomb for prayer, the procession to St. Peter’s Square, and the presentation of the pallium, ring, and Gospel Book at the altar. Readings from Isaiah, Psalms, First Peter, and John are incorporated, culminating in the pope blessing the assembly and the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.

In his homily, Leo centered his message on service, love, and unity. “Let our greatest desire be for a united Church, a symbol of communion and harmony, which can be a leaven for a reconciled world,” he said. He decried modern divisions caused by hatred, fear, economic inequality, and environmental exploitation, calling instead for solidarity and healing.

His words struck a notable tone amid ongoing divisions within the Catholic Church, particularly in the U.S., where debates over doctrine, social issues, and Pope Francis’ legacy remain sharp.

Return to Tradition Pleases Conservatives

Leo’s election, which followed a swift 24-hour conclave on May 8, has been welcomed by conservative Catholics, who favor his more traditional, doctrinally focused approach. Reinforcing this shift, Leo wore the formal red mozzetta cape—a symbolic departure from Francis’ simplified papal style—when receiving visiting dignitaries in the basilica.

Despite the contrast with Francis’ more informal demeanor, Leo echoed some of his predecessor’s themes, calling for a missionary church open to the world and driven by God’s love. “Let us build a Church that becomes a source of harmony for humanity,” he said.

High-Level Attendance and Strict Protocol

Diplomatic protocol dictated the arrangement of the crowd, with the U.S. and Peru enjoying prominent placement due to Leo’s dual citizenship. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had been among the last dignitaries to meet with Pope Francis before his death, led the American delegation. He was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Rome partly to advance Ukraine-Russia peace discussions.

Heads of state attending included Peru’s President Dina Boluarte and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia was represented by its ambassador. As per tradition, Catholic queens such as Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Charlene of Monaco were dressed in white—an honor reserved for Catholic royalty.

Over three dozen Christian denominations sent representatives, and faith leaders from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Zoroastrian communities were also present, underscoring the event's interfaith significance.

American Pride and Papal Symbols

Notably absent is the papal tiara, a golden crown adorned with sacred images and precious stones, last worn by Pope Paul VI in 1963. Paul VI discontinued its use, selling his own tiara and donating the proceeds to international missions; today, his tiara is preserved at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. Although not banned, no pope has worn the tiara since.

Instead, the new pope will receive the pallium—a white woolen band embroidered with five red crosses, symbolising pastoral mission and unity with the universal Church. Crafted by Benedictine nuns in Rome from the wool of lambs blessed by Trappist monks on Saint Agnes’ feast day, the pallium is fastened with three pins resembling the nails of the Cross.

Also present is the Fisherman’s Ring, handed over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, crafted from pure gold and engraved with Saint Peter’s boat and the new pope’s name. Historically used as a seal for papal documents, the ring is now a symbol destroyed upon the pope’s death.

The pallium and fisherman’s ring Leo received symbolize pastoral care and spiritual authority. In a significant moment during the Mass, representatives from various groups—bishops, clergy, religious, married couples, and youth—offered their vows of obedience to the new pope, a modernized version of a centuries-old tradition.

American Catholics in Rome expressed pride and joy. Susan Hanssen, a Chicago-born professor, said Leo’s call for unity rooted in doctrine and love would resonate globally. Ethan Menning, a 21-year-old seminarian from Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag, calling Leo’s election deeply personal. “Seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter—it almost makes Jesus feel more accessible,” he said.

Gregory and Susan Hudak, long-time Chicago residents visiting Rome, were stunned to witness Leo's popemobile pass by. “Seeing the pope wasn’t on the itinerary—it was a once-in-a-lifetime blessing,” said Gregory, donning a Chicago Bears hat. “This topped everything.”