Pope Leo calls for unity, vows not to be an "autocrat"

Pope Leo XIV officially began his ministry on Sunday by addressing conservatives who felt excluded under his predecessor, calling for unity, promising to preserve the Catholic Church's heritage and declaring that he would not rule as "an autocrat."

After a first parade in the popemobile through a crowd of about 200,000 people in St. Peter's Square and the surrounding streets, Leo was officially crowned as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church during an open-air mass.

Supporters waved American and Peruvian flags, with people from both countries hailing him as the first pope from their nations. Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old pontiff spent many years as a missionary in Peru and also holds Peruvian citizenship.

Robert Prevost, a relatively unknown figure on the world stage who became a cardinal just two years ago, was elected pope on May 8 after a brief conclave of cardinals that lasted about 24 hours.

He succeeded Francis, an Argentine who died on April 21 after an often turbulent 12-year leadership during which he confronted traditionalists and defended the poor and marginalized.

In his sermon, read in fluent Italian, Leo said that as leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, he would continue Francis' legacy on social issues such as the fight against poverty and environmental protection.

He promised to confront the "questions, concerns and challenges of today's world" and, in a gesture to conservatives, promised to preserve the "rich heritage of the Christian faith," making repeated calls for unity.

US Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism who clashed with Francis over the White House's tough immigration policies, led the US delegation along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also a Catholic.

Vance briefly shook hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the start of the ceremony. The two last met in February at the White House, when they clashed in front of the world's media.

Zelensky and Pope Leo are expected to hold a private meeting later on Sunday, while Vance is expected to meet with the pope on Monday.

In a brief appeal at the end of the Mass, Pope Leo referred to several global conflicts. He said Ukraine was being “martyred,” a phrase often used by Francis, and called for a “just and lasting peace” there. He also mentioned the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Among those in the crowd on Sunday were many pilgrims from the US and Peru.

Since his election as pope, Leo has signaled several key priorities for his papacy, including a warning about the dangers of artificial intelligence and the importance of bringing peace to the world and within the Church itself.

Francis' papacy left a divided Church, with conservatives accusing him of creating confusion.

Saying he was taking on this mission “with fear and trembling,” Leon used the words “unity” or “united” seven times on Sunday and the word “harmony” four times.

Conservatives also accused Francis of governing in an authoritarian manner and complain that he disregarded their concerns and did not consult widely before making decisions.

Referring to Saint Peter, the first-century Christian apostle from whom popes derive their authority, Leo said: "Peter must shepherd the flock without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat, ruling over those entrusted to him. On the contrary, he is called to serve the faith of his brothers and sisters and to walk alongside them."

Many world leaders attended the ceremony, including the presidents of Israel, Peru and Nigeria, the prime ministers of Italy, Canada and Australia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen./ REL