Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass draws about 200,000 people, JD Vance, Rubio, Zelensky attend

Pope Leo called for peace in Ukraine, Gaza and Myanmar.

Published: May 18, 2025 8:19am

Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday drew about 200,000 people, according to the Vatican.

Vice President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, were among the world leaders who traveled to Rome to attend.

During the mass, Pope Leo called for unity in the Catholic Church as well as peace in Ukraine, Gaza and Myanmar.

"We are called to offer God's love to everyone,in order toachieve 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," he said.

According to ABC News, he also said that there is "too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and the economic paradigm that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalizes the poorest."

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News