Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, condemned “exploitative capitalism” and global conflicts during his historic inaugural address, urging world leaders to embrace unity while offering the Vatican as a peace negotiation venue for Ukraine and Russia.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong rebuke of unchecked capitalism and ongoing global conflicts during his inaugural Mass, positioning himself as a voice for economic justice.
- The new pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago, is the first American pope and the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.
- High-profile attendees at the inauguration included US Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other world leaders, with an estimated 200,000 people present.
- Pope Leo has already offered the Vatican as a venue for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, demonstrating his commitment to addressing global conflicts.
- The pontiff emphasized the need for healing divisions both within the Church and across the world, condemning “hatred, violence, prejudice, and fear.”
Pope Condemns Capitalism and War in Historic Inaugural Address
In a significant departure from traditional papal inaugural addresses, Pope Leo XIV used his first official message to directly challenge global capitalism and ongoing conflicts. During Sunday’s ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff criticized economic systems that marginalize the poor while depleting Earth’s resources. His message resonated with many conservative Catholics who have long been concerned about the moral dimensions of unchecked capitalism and its effects on traditional family structures and communities left behind by globalization.
“In our time, we still experience too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of others, and an economic model that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest,” said Pope Leo XIV.
The newly installed Pope, who holds both American and Peruvian citizenship, drew considerable attention as the first Pope from the United States. The ceremony was marked by the presentation of the Fisherman’s Ring and a lamb’s wool pallium, traditional symbols of papal authority. The significance of an American ascending to the papacy cannot be understated, especially as he brings perspectives shaped by both North and South American experiences to the Vatican’s leadership.
Pope Leo XIV called for greater global unity and denounced the harms of unchecked capitalism and power during his inaugural Mass in St Peter's Square https://t.co/79ly1BKKJX
— dpa news agency (@dpa_intl) May 19, 2025
A Bold Call for Global Peace and Justice
Since his selection, Pope Leo has positioned himself as a mediator in global conflicts, particularly offering the Vatican’s services for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. His approach reflects a return to traditional Vatican diplomacy while addressing the moral imperative to end suffering. This stance was reinforced during his Regina Caeli prayer, where he specifically addressed conflicts in Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine, without falling into the trap of moral equivalence that has plagued some international institutions.
“Amid the joy of faith and communion, we must not forget those brothers and sisters who are suffering from war,” said Pope Leo XIV.
The inaugural Mass drew an impressive crowd of 200,000 faithful, with American and Peruvian flags prominently displayed throughout the gathering. US Vice President JD Vance’s attendance underscored the historic significance of an American Pope, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presence highlighted the global importance attached to the Vatican’s potential role in peace negotiations. Following the ceremony, Pope Leo met privately with Zelenskyy, who expressed gratitude for the pontiff’s support of Ukraine.
Building Bridges Within and Beyond the Church
Pope Leo XIV is widely regarded as a moderate bridge-builder, a quality that likely contributed to his quick selection by the conclave of cardinals. His inaugural address emphasized the importance of a united Church serving as a model for global reconciliation. The new pontiff’s reputation for balancing traditional Catholic values with pragmatic engagement on contemporary issues stands in stark contrast to progressive religious figures who have increasingly embraced secular political agendas that alienate traditional believers.
“In Gaza, children, families, and elderly people who have survived are starving. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cost innocent lives. And tormented Ukraine is eagerly awaiting negotiations on a just and lasting peace,” said Pope Leo XIV.
The historic selection of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago as Pope Leo XIV represents a potential realignment of Catholic influence and perspectives. His dual citizenship and experiences across the Americas provide him with unique insights into both developed and developing world challenges. As the first American to ascend to the papacy in the Church’s 2,000-year history, Pope Leo faces the monumental task of addressing deep divisions within the Church while positioning it as a relevant moral authority in an increasingly fractured global landscape.
