Vatican City, May 18 (H.S.): Pope Leo XIV, the inaugural pope from America, officially began his papacy on May 18, addressing nearly 200,000 attendees in St. Peter’s Square. He emphasized his mission to counter polarization within the Catholic Church and globally, advocating for unity. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary greeted the crowd on his first papamobile ride, offering blessings to children and acknowledging flag-waving devotees from countries like America and Peru.

A poignant moment arrived when he received vital papal artifacts: the ‘stole’ made from lamb’s wool and the ‘Fisherman’s Ring.’ After donning the ring, he reflected in prayer, signaling the weight of leading 1.4 billion Catholics. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance led the American delegation, visiting the late Pope Francis’s tomb, marking a significant tribute.

Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural address highlighted the Church’s internal conflicts over social, political, and religious matters, urging unity and respect for diverse viewpoints among Catholics.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar