Under a bright Roman sky and in the presence of tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square on May 18, Pope Leo XIV officially began his Petrine ministry with a solemn Mass of Inauguration, calling the Church to unity, missionary outreach, and love rooted in Christ.
Cardinals, bishops, priests, diplomats, and pilgrims from across the globe filled the square as the new Pope presided at the Eucharistic celebration following his election as the 267th successor of St. Peter. The Mass began with the traditional rite of the Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing the pope’s role as the Vicar of Christ.
In his inaugural homily, Leo XIV reflected on the sorrowful days following the death of Pope Francis, describing the Church as having felt “like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36).
He said the faithful experienced consolation and hope on Easter Sunday when they received the final blessing of the late Pope “in the light of the resurrection.”
Speaking with humility, Leo said, “I was chosen, without any merit of my own, 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.”
Drawing on the day's Gospel, the pope reflected on Jesus’ conversation with Peter by the Sea of Galilee, emphasizing the foundational mission of love entrusted to Peter and now continued through the Church.
“Peter is entrusted with loving more’ and giving his life for the flock,” the Holy Father said. “The ministry of Peter is distinguished by this self-sacrificing love.”
The pope underlined that the Church’s authority is not based on power or control but on charity and service: “It is never a question of capturing others by force… It is always and only a question of loving as Jesus did.”
He urged the Church to be a “sign of unity and communion,” addressing the world’s wounds caused by “hatred, violence, prejudice, and a paradigm that marginalizes the poor.” With firm resolve, he added, “We want to be a small leaven of unity, communion, and fraternity.”
Reaffirming a missionary spirit, Pope Leo invited Christians to walk with others—regardless of their faith traditions or beliefs—toward peace and mutual respect.
“This is the hour for love!” he proclaimed. “With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit, let us build a church founded on God’s love.”
As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang and the voices of the faithful echoed in prayer, a new chapter in the life of the Catholic Church began—one marked by hope, humility, and a renewed commitment to love.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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