First US pope Leo XIV celebrates inaugural mass

First US Pope Leo XIVcelebrated his inaugural mass in St. Peter’s Square before tens of thousands of pilgrims and a global audience of dignitaries, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Born in Chicago as Robert Francis Prevost, the 69-year-old pontiff began the day with a tour of the square in the popemobile, greeting crowds with waves and blessings. 

In his homily, he called for the Church to serve as a force for unity in a world marked by division, and criticised systems that exploit the environment and marginalise the poor. The mass marked the official start of his papacy, ten days after his historic election as the 267th pope.