Pope Leo XIV formally began his reign on Sunday by reaching out to Conservatives, who felt orphans under his predecessor, called for unity, promised to preserve the Catholic Church’s legacy and not rule as “an autocrat”.

After a first trip in Popemobile through an estimated crowd of up to 200,000 in St. Peters Torv and the surrounding streets, Leo was officially installed as the 267th Pontiff in the Roman Catholic Church at an outdoor fair.

Weller, we waved us and Peruvian flags, with people from both countries who claimed him as the first pope from their nations. Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old Pontiff spent many years as a missionary in Peru and also has Peruvian citizenship.

Robert Prevost, a relatively unknown on the world scene, which was only cardinal two years ago, was elected to Pope on May 8 after a short conclave of cardinals lasting barely 24 hours.

He succeeded Francis, an Argentine who died on April 21 after leading the church for 12 often turbulent years, struggling with traditional and advancing the poor and marginalized.

In his sermon, read in fluent Italian, Leo said, as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics, Francis’ heritage on social issues continued such as fighting poverty and the protection of the environment.

He promised to face “Questions, concerns and challenges in today’s world,” and in a nod to Conservatives he promised to preserve “the rich heritage of the Christian faith” and repeatedly called for unity.

People’s crowd shouted “Viva Il Papa” (Long Live Pope) and “Papa Leone”, his name in Italian as he waved from the open topped pop mobil before his inauguration pulp, which was attended by dozens by world leaders.

Among those in crowds on Sunday were many pilgrims from the US and Peru.

Dominic Venditti, from Seattle, said he was “extremely excited” by the new pope. “I like how emotional and friendly he is,” he said. “I love his background.”

Since becoming a pope, Leo has already signaled some key priorities for his papalism, including a warning about the dangers of artificial intelligence and the importance of bringing peace to the world and to the church itself.

Leo said he took his mission “with fear and trembling,” and used the words “Unity” or “United” seven times on Sunday and the word “Harmony” four times.

“It is never a matter of catching others by force, of religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a matter of loving, as Jesus did,” he said in seemingly referring to a war war between Catholics that defines himself as conservative or progressive.

Conservatives also accused Francis of deciding in a tongue -handed way and complaining that he diminished their concerns and did not consult broadly before making decisions.

Referring to St. Peter, the 1st century Christian Apostle, from which Poper picks up their authority, Leo said, “Peter must shepherd the flock without ever giving in to the temptation to be an autocrat who exceeds it over those entrusted to him. On the contrary, he is called to serve his brothers’ faith and sisters and go with them.”

Many world leaders attended the ceremony, including the presidents of Israel, Peru and Nigeria, Prime Ministers in Italy, Canada and Australia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Europe Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

European Royals also took their place in the VIP seats near the main altar, including Spanish King Felipe and Queen Letizia.

Leo shook many of their hands at the end of the ceremony and embraced his brother Louis, who had traveled from Florida.

As part of the ceremony, Leo received two symbolic objects: a liturgical vestment known as a pallium, a frame of lambswool that represented his role as a shepherd, and “Fisherman’s Ring” that remembers St. Peter, who was a fisherman.

The ceremonial gold signing ring is specially cast for each new pope and can be used by Leo to seal documents, although this purpose has fallen out of use in modern times.

It shows St. Peter, who holds the keys to heaven and will be broken after his death or resignation.