Vatican City, May 18: Pope Leo XIV, history's first American pope, is vowing to work for unity so that the Catholic Church becomes a sign of peace in the world. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary is offering a message of communion during an inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square before tens of thousands of people, presidents, patriarchs and princes.

In his homily, Leo said he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy: love and unity. He said: “I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world.” Pope Leo XIV Net Worth: Who Is Robert Prevost, the New Pontiff? How Much Will He Be Paid? Perks, Assets and More Explained.

His call for unity was significant, given the polarization in the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond.