Pope Leo XIV has taken the reins as leader of the Catholic Church, and on Friday, May 9, started his first full day as Pontiff with a mass at the Sistine Chapel, during which he called his election both a cross and a blessing.

Pilgrims from across North America joined 200,000 people attending the historic Mass of inauguration for Leo XIV, the first pope from the U.S.

Pope Leo XIV called for peace in Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine at his inauguration Mass on Sunday, May 18. Following his inauguration, Pope Leo XIV meets with world leaders and other dignitaries at Saint Peter’s Basilica, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Sunday, May 18.