Pope Leo urges unity for divided Church

Pope Leo XIV officially began his reign on May 18, reaching out to conservatives and pledging to preserve the Catholic Church’s heritage while continuing the social legacy of Pope Francis. At his inaugural Mass in St Peter’s Square, Leo called for healing in a divided Church and urged peace in Ukraine and Gaza. Following the ceremony, he held a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who later expressed gratitude for the Vatican’s support in hosting potential peace talks.