'Too much hate, too many wounds': Pope Leo XIV's plea for global unit during his inauguration | Today news

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, officially began his pontificate on Sunday with a moving call for unity and peace during his first mass on the St. Peter’s Square, seen by more than 200,000 faithful, dignitaries and clergy. “I want our first great desire for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world,” the 69-year-old Pontiff in Chicago declared in his homily. “At this time, we still see too much disagreement, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference and an economic paradigm that utilizes the earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest.” Symbolism and emotion are the moment that the pope was visibly moved during the mass when he received the traditional symbols of papal authority – the pallium stole and the Ring of the fisherman. While the lamb wool stalk was draped over his shoulders and put the golden ring on his finger, Leo stopped, looked at the seal and joined his hands in prayer. These elements have deep meaning: the pallium represents a shepherd who carries his herd, while the ring provokes Christ’s commission to Peter as a ‘Fisher or Men’. Popemobile Tour and Personal Touch The mass started with a ceremonial tour on the St. Peter’s Square in the Pop Mobile – a corridor that underlines the global presence of the papacy. Leo smiles, waves and stops to bless babies and win warm applause from the massive crowd. Leo warmly embraced his older brother Louis Prevost-a self-described ‘Maga-type’ and his wife in the basil, an intimate moment that attracted attention with protocol. A conservative lean, but nevertheless echoed from Francis Leo’s return to the traditional papal dress-including the red mozzetta is noted as a nod to conservative Catholics, a deviation from the stripped style of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The Red Cape, which was worn on the loggia during its appearance and again for the receipt of foreign delegations, was met with rejoicing of traditionalists. Leo nevertheless refers to the spirit of Francis’s pont certificate, with an emphasis on mission and openness: “Let us build a church based on God’s love, a sign of unity, a missionary church that opens his arms to the world … and a leaven of harmony for humanity.” World leaders and inter -prominent presence The ceremony was attended by a strong diplomatic presence. US Vice President JD Vance, who visited Pope Francis shortly before his death, led the US delegation and showed respect at Francis’s grave. Foreign Minister Marco Rubio in Rome-Kraine Peace Discussions joined him. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also attended, while Russia was represented by his ambassador. The interfaith rise was unprecedented, with three dozen Christian denominations, 13 Rabbin from the Jewish community, and delegates from Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Zoroastric and Jain traditions. Certain security and large -scale security were extensive, which corresponds to the extent of the funeral of the late Pope Francis. The Vatican estimated that 200,000 gathered over the square and surrounding areas, where screens and sanitation stations were arranged. Diplomatic protocol dictated seats-the US and Peru granted posts on the front row due to Leo’s double citizenship. Special privileges also apply to Catholic queens and princesses, including Spain’s Queen Letizia and Monaco’s Princess Charlene, who wore white in accordance with the papal tradition. Prayer for Peace and the suffering after the mass prayed for a ‘righteous and lasting peace’ in Ukraine and for the suffering people of Gaza – especially “children, families and elderly people who are reduced to famine.”