Pope Leo XIV Begins His Papacy with a Call for Unity and Renewal

Vatican City, May 18, 2025. In a solemn and historic ceremony held in St. Peter’s Basilica this morning, Cardinal Alessandro Bianchi of Italy was officially inaugurated as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the 268th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

Following the traditional white smoke that signaled his election by the College of Cardinals on May 15, Pope Leo XIV formally began his papacy today with a Mass attended by thousands of faithful, dignitaries, and world leaders. The new pope’s chosen name, Leo XIV, evokes the memory of previous reformers, most notably Leo XIII, known for his groundbreaking encyclical Rerum Novarum on social justice.

A Vision of Unity

In his inaugural homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized themes of reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and a renewed commitment to the Church’s mission in a divided world.

“The Church must be a beacon of dialogue, not division,” he said. “In a time when many feel forgotten, unheard, or lost, we are called to listen, to walk together, and to build bridges where walls have stood.”

His words were met with repeated applause and moments of quiet reflection among the crowd, many of whom had traveled from around the globe to witness the event.

Background and Priorities

Born in Florence in 1959, Alessandro Bianchi was a theologian with deep pastoral experience. He served in rural parishes and urban dioceses, and most recently as the Archbishop of Milan. His work has focused on interfaith dialogue, ecological responsibility, and outreach to the poor.

Vatican observers expect Pope Leo XIV to prioritize reforms in Church governance, the ongoing response to the clergy abuse crisis, and modernization of communication strategies to better reach younger generations.

A New Chapter for the Catholic Church

As the bells of St. Peter’s rang out to mark the beginning of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV walked among the faithful, offering blessings and smiles — a gesture many interpreted as a signal of his pastoral style.

Whether he will prove to be a transitional figure or a transformative one remains to be seen. But today, under bright Roman skies, a new chapter in the Church’s long history has begun.