Pope Leo XIV officially began his papacy on Sunday, emphasizing unity, preserving the Church’s traditions, and addressing global conflicts during his inaugural Mass attended by world leaders and thousands of faithful.
Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, was formally inaugurated in a ceremony at St. Peter’s Square, where he highlighted the importance of unity and continuity. Addressing an audience of 200,000, including global leaders and pilgrims, Leo promised to uphold the Church’s traditions while addressing modern challenges such as poverty, environmental issues, and global conflicts.
The newly elected pope, born in Chicago and also holding Peruvian citizenship, pledged to continue his predecessor Francis’ social advocacy and called for harmony among Catholics. Recognizing the divisions within the Church, Leo urged an end to discord, emphasizing the need to “walk alongside” the faithful rather than rule as an autocrat.
The Mass was attended by prominent figures, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and European royals. In his sermon, Leo appealed for peace in Ukraine, describing the nation as “martyred,” and called for urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Leo also signaled priorities for his papacy, such as addressing the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and fostering peace within the Church and the world. The ceremony included traditional symbols of papal authority, including the pallium and the fisherman’s ring.
On Sunday, Russian authorities detained a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged oil tanker after it departed Estonia’s Sillamäe port and entered Russian territorial waters, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said.
Max Verstappen claimed a fourth consecutive Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix victory at Imola, sweeping past Oscar Piastri on the opening lap and holding off a late charge from Lando Norris. The win—his fifth of the season—extended his Imola dominance as Norris and Charles Leclerc completed the podium.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Sunday he refused an unnamed Western European government’s request to silence conservative voices in Romania ahead of its presidential run-off, affirming that Telegram will not block political channels or curb users’ freedoms.
Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev highlighted a new phase in Azerbaijan-Iran relations, emphasizing enhanced bilateral cooperation during his participation in the Tehran Dialogue Forum.
A large-scale ground operation has commenced in northern and southern Gaza, with reports of rising casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. Efforts for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access continue amid growing international concern.
On Sunday, Russian authorities detained a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged oil tanker after it departed Estonia’s Sillamäe port and entered Russian territorial waters, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said.
Max Verstappen claimed a fourth consecutive Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix victory at Imola, sweeping past Oscar Piastri on the opening lap and holding off a late charge from Lando Norris. The win—his fifth of the season—extended his Imola dominance as Norris and Charles Leclerc completed the podium.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Sunday he refused an unnamed Western European government’s request to silence conservative voices in Romania ahead of its presidential run-off, affirming that Telegram will not block political channels or curb users’ freedoms.
A large-scale ground operation has commenced in northern and southern Gaza, with reports of rising casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. Efforts for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access continue amid growing international concern.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered across Spain's Canary Islands, urging authorities to address overtourism and its impact on local communities, including rising housing costs, congestion, and strained services.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
Following Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass at the Vatican on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the pontiff, thanking the Holy See for offering to host direct Ukraine–Russia talks and affirming Kyiv’s readiness for any format that could end the war.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Sunday to launch long-term EU–U.S. trade talks, with both sides having already exchanged negotiating papers to tackle their tariff differences.
On Sunday, Russian authorities detained a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged oil tanker after it departed Estonia’s Sillamäe port and entered Russian territorial waters, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said.
Max Verstappen claimed a fourth consecutive Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix victory at Imola, sweeping past Oscar Piastri on the opening lap and holding off a late charge from Lando Norris. The win—his fifth of the season—extended his Imola dominance as Norris and Charles Leclerc completed the podium.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Sunday he refused an unnamed Western European government’s request to silence conservative voices in Romania ahead of its presidential run-off, affirming that Telegram will not block political channels or curb users’ freedoms.
On Sunday, Russian authorities detained a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged oil tanker after it departed Estonia’s Sillamäe port and entered Russian territorial waters, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said.
Max Verstappen claimed a fourth consecutive Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix victory at Imola, sweeping past Oscar Piastri on the opening lap and holding off a late charge from Lando Norris. The win—his fifth of the season—extended his Imola dominance as Norris and Charles Leclerc completed the podium.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Sunday he refused an unnamed Western European government’s request to silence conservative voices in Romania ahead of its presidential run-off, affirming that Telegram will not block political channels or curb users’ freedoms.
A large-scale ground operation has commenced in northern and southern Gaza, with reports of rising casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. Efforts for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access continue amid growing international concern.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered across Spain's Canary Islands, urging authorities to address overtourism and its impact on local communities, including rising housing costs, congestion, and strained services.
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