Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of "love and unity" during his inaugural mass on Sunday. Leo held his inaugural Mass on Sunday, in what marked the official start of his pontificate. It came after the Chicago native was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church on May 8,

As Pope Leo XIV is formally inaugurated, he vows to work for unity so the church becomes a sign of peace in the world, with leaders including Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in attendance.

The Vatican said some 200,000 people attended the Mass at St. Peter’s Square, which marked the start of the pontificate of the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Vice President JD Vance was among the dignitaries.