Over 150 delegations from all over the world attended Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass: political leaders, heads of Christian Churches, representatives of different religions and over 200,000 faithful from all over the world. It took place in St. Peter’s Square on 18th May. The new Pontiff wanted to begin by meeting the pilgrims, traveling around the Square and along the Via della Conciliazione in the Pope-mobile, in a long, joyous and emotional greeting. He then paused at the tomb of Peter, of whom he is now the successor, before commencing the Eucharistic celebration.

A group from the International Centre of the Focolare attended in representation of the President of the Movement, Margaret Karram and the Co-President Jesús Morán who are currently in the United States.

Silvia Escandell (Argentina), Focolare Central Delegate, described the moment, “This was an experience of the universality of the Church. I felt that Pope Leo XIV, surely also thanks to his charism, draws together this profound diversity into unity. I was impressed by how he immediately used two words, ‘love and unity’ and how his entire address followed this theme . I was also moved when he referred to Peter, to whom Jesus said to cast the nets, and how the Pope called us to do so again, knowing these are the nets of the Gospel, which goes out to meet every person. It seems to me a sign of great hope, for the Church and for humanity ”.

Photos: St. Peter’s Square crowded with the faithful, a moment of the celebration and the group from the Focolare International Centre.

Ray Asprer (Philippines), also Central Delegate of the Focolare Movement, said, “For me today was a powerful experience of progressing towards a united world. . Seeing the entire square filled and above all, listening to the Pope’s appeal expressing his vision of a Church as an instrument of unity, I felt that this was exactly what we were living there, in all its solemnity, but also as a real experience. We were standing together from all over the world, gathered around the Pope who proclaimed that the Church’s mission is love and unity. I felt a call to unity as a sign of the times ”.

Chiara Cuneo (Italy), Councillor at the International Centre of Focolare and co-responsible for Dialogue between Movements and new Communities within the Catholic Church, also spoke of hope, saying.“In this world, in this dark time, hope is a light that guides us. During the Mass I thought that, sometimes, it takes the desert, to allow you to see the sprouts of hope. And today is one of those shoots: something is growing ”.

“The words of the Pope about walking together were very inclusive. He really mentioned everyone, we were all included, absolutely everyone“.

“She concluded, “I was able to greet some Founders and Presidents of various Church Movements. It was a moment of celebration, joy and renewed hope for everyone. We all felt the desire to continue this journey together, truly wishing to love one another more and more, just as the Pope said ”.

Enno Dijkema (Netherlands) Councillor at the International Centre of Focolare and Co-Responsible for the Centre for Christian Unity, added, “There were also many leaders of other Christian Churches and the Pope clearly said that he wants to be in dialogue with everyone and that he wants to be a servant of the unity of the Church of Christ. I was very moved when he spoke of his ministry and described it not as being above all, but below, as love, as service that brings joy and faith to all Christians and to the whole world. In front of so many heads of State it seemed to me a beautiful testimony, a meaningful indication of ‘power’ understood as love, as service ”.

Anna Lisa Innocenti

Pfoto: Vatican Media Live e © A.L.I.-CSC Audiovisivi