The meeting of the new Pope Leo IDI with the president of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenskiannounced the Vatican shortly after the enthron function of the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Pope explicitly referred to the war in Ukraine in his prayer at the end of the ceremony, stressing that “the Witness Ukraine is finally awaiting negotiations for a fair and lasting peace”.

Speaking to thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square, the new Pontiff warned of the risk of marginalizing the poor and the rise of authoritarianism.

Among the high guests who attended the ceremony were President Zelenski, US Vice President Jay Di Vance and US Secretary of State Mark Rubio. The Pope was seen to exchange handshakes with both Zelenski and other officials.

During its operation, he criticized “fanaticism, violence, prejudice, fear of diversity and the economic model that exhausts the resources of the Earth and marginalizes the poorest”.

He also pledged to rule the Church “without ever being tempted by authoritarianism”.

Thousands of faithful respected the tradition of the papal symbols, in which the Pope blessed the crowd and addressed a strong call for unity.

Prior to the operation, enthusiastic cheers broke out when the Pope appeared on his Popemobile and crossed the Saint Peter’s Square, following Via della Conciliazione to Tiber and back.

“I came to see the Pope”

The climate in the square was enthusiastic. Michelle from Germany stated to Bbc: “I came to see the Pope. I arrived yesterday morning and leaving in a few hours, I don’t have much time. It’s crazy, it has so many people. I wanted to see him. “

Among the multitude of tens of thousands of people were many tourists, beyond Catholic pilgrims, who wanted to live close to the historic moment.

Joe from Missouri, USA said:

“We’re on vacation, but it was a perfect coincidence. We came to see the Pope’s enthronement function. It is very special. I’m glad we came early. ” He noted that he felt “very proud” seeing the first Pope from the United States. “It was a surprise. It will be a wonderful Pope. I am no longer a Catholic, but I grew up as a Catholic and what is happening is inspirational, regardless of the Christian doctrine you belong to. “

Among the attendees was Pia, a professor of philosophy from Chile who teaches at the Papal University of the Holy Cross in Rome. Speaking to the BBC, he said he felt “new hope in the church”.

Pia noted that between the Pope’s first words after his election was “Peace with you”, Jesus’ words, and then added “don’t be afraid”. “He knows what people and the Church need. A church that preaches hope, preaching peace. Many are waiting for this message, “he said.

The symbols of papal power

The Pope’s official enthronement followed the operation, with the placement of turret – a white woolen strip – on the shoulders of the Pontiff, which was stabilized with three pins symbolizing the nails of the cross.

Then the cardinal Luis Antonio Tangle From the Philippines he placed on the finger of the Pope the Fisherman’s ringa symbol of the papal office, with the image of St. Peter.

Pope Leo completed the ceremony blessing the crowd with the Holy Gospel.