Tens of thousands came to St. Peter’s Square to mark the official start of the pontificate of the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Vice President JD Vance was among the dignitaries who attended.

As Pope Leo XIV is formally inaugurated, he vows to work for unity and peace at a time of polarization in the Catholic Church and the wider world, with leaders including Vice President Vance and Ukraine's Zelensky in attendance.

Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV received the symbols of his office during a historic inaugural Mass at the Vatican. He urged an end to global conflict and unity within the Catholic Church, as world leaders including Vice President JD Vance and President Volodymr Zelenskyy looked on.