Pope Leo XIV warns against exploitation of nature, poor

International

POPE Leo XIV, the newly elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church, called to stop exploiting nature and marginalising the poor during his inaugural Mass on Sunday, May 18, in St. Peter’s Square.

Addressing tens of thousands of faithful and world leaders, the first-ever American pope used his first public homily to call out global injustices and inequality, a report by Agence France-Presse stated.

“Let us not exploit the poor but walk with them,” he said, urging political, religious, and civil leaders to choose service over power and solidarity over domination.

Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the Church must remain a moral voice amid increasing economic and political division.

“Let us not seek power but service,” he added, underlining his vision of a Church that uplifts the marginalized rather than one entangled in authority and privilege.

Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV was elected following the death of Pope Francis. His historic election makes him the first pontiff from the United States, signaling a shift in the Church’s geographic leadership and priorities.

Vatican News reported that Pope Leo XIV also highlighted the Church’s role as a “leaven of unity and love,” calling Catholics to embody compassion, humility, and openness in their daily lives. He received the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium during the Mass, formalizing the start of his pontificate.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reflecting the global attention surrounding the new pope’s leadership.

With this message, Pope Leo XIV sets a tone for his papacy grounded in social justice, inclusion, and pastoral outreach.(John Clyron Matillano CTU-TC Intern)