Pope Leo XIV, the first North American to lead the Catholic Church, made a historic departure from tradition during his inaugural Mass this month. At his Sunday service in St Peter’s Square, thousands of people gathered to witness the newly minted pope addressing them from an open-top popemobile.
The popemobile, typically equipped with bulletproof glass and armor for protection, was ditched in favor of a more traditional approach, echoing Pope Francis’ move when he took office in 2013. This bold move marked a departure from the usual protocol, showcasing the pope’s willingness to connect with his followers in a unique way.
Approximately 200,000 individuals attended the Mass, including pilgrims, clergy, cardinals, and world leaders. The atmosphere was electric, with anticipation and applause filling the air as Pope Leo navigated through the square in his open-back Popemobile.
In a move that broke major nine-decade popemobile rule, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of family, reaffirming that marriage is exclusively between a man and a woman. However, he also welcomed LGBTQ+ Catholics into the church, stating that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered” within church teachings.
Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass was significant not only for its uniqueness but also for its powerful stance on issues such as abortion and euthanasia. He denounced these practices, labeling them part of a “throwaway culture.” His message aimed to reaffirm the sanctity of life, emphasizing both the unborn and the elderly.
Source: https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/pope-leo-xiv-pope-mobile-35270634