At inaugural mass, Pope Leo warns against exploiting nature, marginalising the poor

Pope Leo set the tone for his papacy at his inaugural mass, with calls to stop exploiting nature and marginalising the poor. The May 18, 2025, service in St Peter’s Square was attended by world dignitaries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice-President J.D. Vance. Leo also spoke about the war in Ukraine during his Regina Coeli prayer at the end of the mass, and those “suffering from hunger” in Gaza. Hours later, Leo held a private audience with Zelensky and his wife.