A New Chapter for the Church Begins– Pope Leo XIV
On Sunday, 18 May 2025, in front of over 200,000 faithful and world leaders, Pope Leo XIV officially began his Petrine Ministry with a Mass in Saint Peter’s Square. The historic event marked a powerful message of unity, love, and global reconciliation.
A Global Gathering of Faith and Fraternity
The inauguration was attended by representatives from Christian denominations as well as Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Zoroastrian, and Jainist communities—reflecting Pope Leo XIV’s inclusive vision for interreligious dialogue and universal brotherhood.
A Heart Full of Gratitude and Faith
Opening his homily, Pope Leo expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support he received as he stepped into his new role.
“Following the death of Pope Francis, we felt like sheep without a shepherd… Yet with hope and joy, we remembered how the Lord never abandons His people.”
He described the recent conclave as an experience filled with divine harmony, likening the unity of the cardinals to “musical instruments” brought into tune by the Holy Spirit.
Love and Unity: The Core of His Ministry
Pope Leo emphasized that his role is not about authority or power, but about serving in love, as a brother walking with the faithful.
“I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy…”
The Pope reflected on Peter’s call by Jesus to be a shepherd motivated by self-sacrificing love, and urged the Church to lead not through force or superiority, but through charity, humility, and service.
A Church that Presides in Charity
Pope Leo XIV reiterated that true authority in the Church flows from Christ’s love, not dominance:
“The Church of Rome presides in charity… It is never about religious propaganda or power. It is always and only about loving as Jesus did.”
He invited all believers to become signs of reconciliation, serving as a leaven of unity in a broken world marked by division, violence, and economic injustice.
A Call to All Peoples and Religions
The Pope’s vision extends beyond the Catholic Church to all people:
“This is the path to follow together… with our sister Christian Churches, those who follow other religions, those searching for God, and all people of good will.”
He emphasized that the Church should remain missionary and open, valuing diversity and respecting every person’s history and culture while promoting the unifying love of God.
“This Is the Hour for Love”
Declaring it a new moment in the Church’s mission, Pope Leo XIV said:
“Brothers and sisters, this is the hour for love! The heart of the Gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters.”
He called for a missionary Church—restless, active, and outward-looking—ready to open its arms to the world and become a beacon of peace, justice, and harmony.
Walking Together Toward God
In a stirring conclusion, Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful and the world to walk together:
“Let us walk towards God and love one another.”
This message, echoing the essence of the Gospel, signals a new papacy rooted in compassion, humility, and unity, ready to face today’s challenges with a renewed spirit.
