Pope Leo XIV vows to work for unity during inaugural Mass in St Peter’s Square

His call for unity was significant, given the polarisation in the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond.

Pope Leo XIV’s holds Mass during the formal inauguration (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, vowed on Sunday to work for unity so that the Catholic Church becomes a sign of peace in the world.

He offered a message of love and communion during an inaugural Mass in St Peter’s Square before tens of thousands of people, presidents, patriarchs and princes.