Catholics Flock to St Peter’s Square to See Pope Leo XIV Lead Sunday Praye
Thousands of Catholics gathered at St Peter’s Square on Sunday to witness Pope Leo XIV make his second public appearance as the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, greeted the faithful from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, where he led a noon prayer to the Virgin Mary. The event marked a significant moment for Catholics eager to see the new pope up close.
Born in the United States and known for his humble demeanor, Pope Leo XIV spent much of his clerical life as a missionary in Peru before being elected as the 267th pope during a secret conclave last Thursday. His election is seen as a unifying choice aimed at mending internal divisions within the Church and revitalizing spiritual engagement among its 1.4 billion followers.
Vatican observers note that Leo XIV faces an array of pressing challenges, from declining church attendance in Western countries to modern debates on doctrine and social justice. His leadership is expected to chart a course for renewal while preserving core Catholic traditions.
The massive turnout in Rome reflects the global Church’s interest in and hopes for the new papacy as he begins his spiritual leadership over one of the world’s oldest and most influential institutions.
