Vatican City, May 18, 2025 — Pope Leo XIV don begin him papacy with a powerful message of unity during him inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square, addressed to over 150,000 faithful. As di first U.S.-born pope, e carry high expectations as him step into di shoes of his late predecessor, Pope Francis.
During di Mass, wey also mark di start of his Petrine Ministry, Leo XIV share his heart of gratitude and hope, calling on all believers to embrace love and unity. ‘We dey call to offer God’s love to everyone, for dis love fit heal our world and bring peace,’ e talk.
Pope Leo XIV, wey be former Cardinal Robert Prevost, emphasize di challenges wey di church face today. E note say, ‘We don see too much discord and violence in our world. We need to be a small leaven of unity and fraternity.’ Dis message resonate well with di crowd, wey respond with loud applause.
As e reflect on di teachings of Jesus, di new pope remind all present say love na di core of dem faith. ‘Di heart of di Gospel na di love of God wey fit make us brothers and sisters,’ e add, as e urge followers to follow di path of Christ.
Pope Leo XIV also acknowledge di void left by di passing of Pope Francis, saying, ‘E no easy to lose a shepherd. But we must remember say God never abandon His people.’ E encourage everyone to carry on di legacy of love and service, urging dem to ‘cast di nets again’ in search of lost souls.
As di papacy don begin, many dey hopeful say under Leo XIV leadership, di church go witness renewed commitment to outreach and reconciliation. Di pope conclude him address with di powerful words: ‘Together, as one people, let’s walk toward God and love one another.’ Di faithful don receive dis message with joy, optimism, and renewed faith.
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