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Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass begins in St. Peter's Square

Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass begins in St. Peter's Square

The inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV has begun in St. Peter's Square.

The service will mark the official start of his papacy. 

Leo greeted crowds from the Popemobile - marking the first time he has travelled in the vehicle. Thousands of well-wishers have gathered for Leo XIV's inaugural mass at the Vatican, which sees him officially assume his role as leader of the global Catholic Church.

World leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are among the congregation.

Leo was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church earlier this month following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and a two-day conclave in Vatican City.

The new pope celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, shortly after his election by the Conclave. He used the service to call on the Catholic Church to "desperately" oppose the lack of faith and called for Church unity from his cardinals.

Leo is the 267th Pope and the first to come from the United States.

 

 

 

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