Pope Leo XIV shocked the world by directly condemning unchecked capitalism and calling for a united global response to prevent exploitation of the poor during his inaugural Mass that attracted 200,000 faithful to St. Peter’s Square.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, used his inaugural address to criticize exploitative economic systems that marginalize the poor
- High-profile attendees included US Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other world leaders, highlighting the global significance of the event
- The Pope offered the Vatican as a venue for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in a bold diplomatic initiative
- As the 267th pope, Leo received the traditional symbols of papal authority, including the Fisherman’s Ring and the lamb’s wool pallium
- Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, is positioned as a moderate bridge-builder within the Church
First American Pope Takes Bold Stand Against Unchecked Capitalism
In a powerful inaugural address that signaled a potentially transformative papacy, Pope Leo XIV wasted no time in addressing what he sees as pressing global issues. The former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, now the first United States-born pontiff in Catholic history, delivered a message that resonated with conservative Catholics concerned about moral decay and economic exploitation while simultaneously challenging the global economic order. His message focused on unity but contained specific criticisms of modern economic systems that many conservatives have long warned are destroying traditional values and communities.
During his address, Pope Leo highlighted what he perceives as fundamental problems facing the modern world: “In our time, we still experience too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of others, and an economic model that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest,” said Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV called for greater global unity and denounced the harms of unchecked capitalism and power during his inaugural Mass in St Peter's Square https://t.co/79ly1BKKJX
— dpa news agency (@dpa_intl) May 19, 2025
World Leaders Gather as Pope Calls for Peace
The inaugural Mass drew an impressive array of global leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance representing the Trump administration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte were among the dignitaries in attendance. The presence of these leaders underscores the continuing diplomatic significance of the Vatican on the world stage, even as many globalist institutions have increasingly embraced secular agendas that contradict traditional religious values.
“Amid the joy of faith and communion, we must not forget those brothers and sisters who are suffering from war,” said Pope Leo XIV.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo met with President Zelenskyy, demonstrating his commitment to addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The pope has already offered the Vatican as a neutral venue for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, positioning himself as a potential peacemaker in a conflict that has dragged on too long while draining Western resources. This diplomatic initiative comes as President Trump has repeatedly emphasized the need to end the conflict through negotiations rather than endless military aid.
Call for Action on Global Conflicts
Pope Leo specifically addressed several ongoing conflicts during his Regina Caeli prayer, showing particular concern for civilians caught in warfare. His remarks about Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine reflected the Catholic Church’s traditional stance on protecting innocent life in all circumstances. “In Gaza, children, families, and elderly people who have survived are starving. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cost innocent lives. And tormented Ukraine is eagerly awaiting negotiations on a just and lasting peace,” said Pope Leo XIV.
The pope’s comments align with growing conservative frustration over seemingly endless conflicts that consume taxpayer resources while delivering questionable results. His call for “just and lasting peace” through negotiations rather than prolonged military engagement resonates with the America First approach that prioritizes diplomatic solutions over costly foreign interventions. As president, Trump has consistently advocated for peace through strength and meaningful negotiations rather than endless military commitments.
A Bridge-Builder Taking the Papal Throne
Pope Leo XIV’s selection as the 267th pope came relatively quickly from the conclave of cardinals, who reportedly view him as a moderate capable of bridging divides within the Church. During the inauguration ceremony, he received the traditional symbols of papal authority – the Fisherman’s Ring and a lamb’s wool pallium, representing his role as shepherd of the Catholic flock. The popemobile’s arrival at St. Peter’s Square was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd waving American and Peruvian flags, acknowledging the pope’s dual citizenship.
As Pope Leo begins his papacy, his emphasis on Church unity as a model for global reconciliation stands in contrast to divisive ideological agendas that have dominated international institutions in recent years. His call for attention to the marginalized and exploited offers a faith-based alternative to purely secular approaches to social problems. For conservative Catholics concerned about both traditional values and economic justice, Pope Leo’s inaugural message provides reason for cautious optimism about his pontificate.
