At the Mass inaugurating his Petrine ministry, Pope Leo XIV stood before a crowd of over 200,000 faithful, world leaders, and representatives from diverse Christian traditions and world religions in Saint Peter’s Square, calling the Church to walk in unity, guided by the light of God’s love.

The solemn yet joyful celebration on Sunday, 18 May, officially marked the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s leadership of the Catholic Church. Present for the occasion were representatives not only from Christian denominations but also from Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Zoroastrian, and Jain communities, testifying to the global and interreligious significance of the moment.

With visible emotion, Pope Leo expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support as he steps into his role as the Bishop of Rome. Reflecting on the passing of Pope Francis, he shared, “In the days following his death, many of us felt adrift, like sheep without a shepherd. But his final Easter blessing reminded us that Christ never leaves His flock.”

The Pope thanked the faithful for their spiritual solidarity during the conclave, where the cardinals, moved by the Holy Spirit, discerned a new shepherd to carry forward the mission of proclaiming the Gospel. He likened their unity to an orchestra, brought into harmony by divine grace, playing one sacred melody.

Acknowledging the immense responsibility now placed upon him, Pope Leo XIV said, “I was not chosen for my merit, but by God’s mysterious design. I come before you not as a ruler, but as a fellow pilgrim—a brother who wishes to serve your faith and joy, walking beside you in the love of Christ.”

He emphasized that love and unity remain the cornerstone of Peter’s mission, entrusted to him by Jesus. Drawing from the Sunday Gospel, the Pope noted Christ’s call to the disciples to become “fishers of men”—spreading the hope of salvation so that all may feel the warmth of God’s embrace.

Pope Leo recalled how Peter was entrusted with a love that demands sacrifice—a love that lays down its life for others. “The Church of Rome,” he said, “leads not by might, nor by persuasion, but by the power of Christ’s charity. Ours is not a mission of conquest, but of compassion—of loving as the Savior loved.”

Expressing his vision for the Church, Pope Leo called for a community rooted in unity and reconciliation. “In a world torn by hatred, fear, injustice, and environmental exploitation,” he said, “the Church must be a humble yet persistent ferment of fraternity and healing.”

With heartfelt conviction, he urged, “Let us lift our eyes to Christ. Let us draw near to His word, which consoles and inspires. Let us become one family in Him, proclaiming the Good News not just with words but with our lives.”

He emphasized the importance of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, affirming that the journey toward peace must include Christians of all traditions, believers of other faiths, seekers of truth, and all people of goodwill.

The Pope stressed that the Church must resist the temptation to retreat into self-contained groups or adopt a posture of moral superiority. “Our mission is to share the love of God with everyone,” he said, “not to erase our differences, but to celebrate the unique stories and cultures that each person and people bring.”

“This is the moment for love,” he declared. “The Gospel’s heartbeat is the love of God that makes us a family.”

In closing, Pope Leo XIV called upon the Holy Spirit to breathe life into a Church that is vibrant, outward-facing, and deeply rooted in love. “Let us build a Church that embodies unity, radiates compassion, proclaims the Word with courage, and remains attuned to the movements of history,” he said. “A Church that becomes the yeast of reconciliation and hope for all humanity.”

“And so,” he concluded, his voice filled with hope, “as one people, one family, let us walk together toward God—and love one another.”