In his address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV urged the 1.4-billion-member Church to remain faithful to its traditions while avoiding insularity. He emphasized that the future of the Church depends on a cohesive, communion-driven structure. The Pope criticized prevailing economic models that "exploit the Earth’s resources and marginalize the poor," and warned of growing global division, marked by hatred, violence, and prejudice.
The Pope called for a renewed spirit of openness, solidarity, and charity, stressing that every individual, regardless of social, cultural, or religious background, deserves respect. He also appealed to the global Catholic community, other faiths, and all people to work together in “building a new world where peace prevails.”
The inauguration ceremony lasted over an hour and included solemn rituals. Following his homily, Pope Leo XIV presided over religious rites, offered blessings, and extended wishes for peace and happiness to all humanity.