In his first mass as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV called on the global community to end exploitation and division, urging the Church to be a unifying force for justice and compassion.

Ten days after becoming the first American pope, Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost stood before tens of thousands of faithful in St Peter’s Square, including dignitaries like U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, and leaders from across the globe.

“In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest,” Pope Leo said during his homily.

The 69-year-old pontiff, who spent years as a missionary in Peru, emphasized the need for inclusivity and love: “We are called to offer God’s love to everyone… to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people.”

Pope Leo’s remarks struck a chord with many pilgrims. “He’s already entered my heart,” said Inacia Lisboa, a 71-year-old pilgrim from Cape Verde. “We need peace in the world — so much.”

Marking a new chapter for the Church, Leo received his papal symbols — the pallium and the fisherman’s ring — after praying at the tomb of Saint Peter. A heavy security presence, including rooftop snipers and anti-drone teams, underscored the significance of the event.

“I was chosen, without any merit of my own,” Leo confessed to the crowd, “and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy.”

Despite his low profile before the papacy, Leo has quickly emphasized peace and social justice — setting a tone that could define his leadership.

As Sophia Tripp, a student from Chicago, put it: “We are all human, and we should just all be loving to one another.”