Rajya Sabha Deputy Chair Harivansh Attends Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV at Vatican

May 18, 2025: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh represented India at the historic inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV held at Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on Sunday, extending the nation’s best wishes to the new pontiff on behalf of the people of India, according to a statement from the Deputy Chairman’s Office.

The event marked the beginning of the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope and the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, who delivered a powerful homily condemning the exploitation of the poor and calling for unity within the Church.

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The Mass drew an audience of approximately 100,000 faithful, along with a host of world leaders and dignitaries. In a symbolic gesture of compassion, Pope Leo was seen kissing a child as he toured the square in the popemobile, greeted by enthusiastic chants of “Viva il Papa” and thunderous applause.

Among the prominent attendees were U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who shared a moment of camaraderie before the service. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, representing the country where Pope Leo spent decades as a missionary and bishop, was also present. Delegates from over 150 countries participated in the Mass, underscoring the global significance of the occasion.

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV outlined his vision for the Church, rejecting “religious propaganda” and political maneuvering, signaling a desire to heal growing rifts between reformists and conservatives in the Church—divisions that became more pronounced during the tenure of Pope Francis.

He also issued a strong rebuke of economic systems that marginalize the poor and exploit natural resources, emphasizing the Church’s moral responsibility to advocate for social justice and environmental stewardship.

Pope Leo is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders during his first week, including a scheduled discussion with President Zelenskyy later the same day.