WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
The new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, officially began his papacy today with a solemn mass in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. The ceremonial act of inauguration was made official when the new pope was awarded the papal insignia of authority, the Fisherman's Ring.
The pope arrived at St. Peter's Square today in an open-topped popemobile, where he greeted the multitude of gathered believers, just like his predecessor Pope Francis.
That's right, he picked up a baby and blessed it.
In his speech, he criticized the global economic system which, as he said, "exploits the planet and marginalizes the poorest".
He also warned of the danger of centralization of power within the papal office, saying that he would strive to govern without ever succumbing to the temptation to become an autocrat.
He spoke about the need for unity in the Church, but also warned about the dangers of religious propaganda.
"Brothers and sisters, I would like our first great desire to be for a single Church, a sign of unity, which becomes the driving force for a reconciled world," he said in Italian.
Speaking about "Peter's service" – the disciple of Jesus Christ, on whose grave, according to belief, the Vatican is located – he pointed out that it is "characterized by love that is given without reservation".
"Since the Church of Rome presides in love, and its true authority is the love of Christ, it must never be about conquering others by force, religious propaganda or power," he added.
"It's always and only about love - the way Jesus did it."
In the end, he called on the believers to stay "together as one people", to "walk towards God and love one another".
Who's at the ceremony?
The ceremony is attended by tens of thousands of people, including world leaders.
The Holy See announced on Saturday that a number of political leaders from around the world will join the event.
Montenegro is represented by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and a delegation.
Representatives from Italy, Peru and the United States have front-row seats in the VIP gallery, as Pope Leo XIV holds dual US and Peruvian citizenship.
The US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is also in attendance, while Italy is represented by Prime Minister Meloni.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also among more than 150 international delegations registered to attend, along with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost, or Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, is the first pope from the United States, elected on May 8 after a brief conclave.
He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on April 21 after 12 years as head of the Catholic Church.
There is tight security throughout Rome for the event, including rooftop snipers and anti-drone units.
