Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after his inauguration Mass, where Zelensky expressed gratitude for the Pope's support for Ukraine and peace. The Pope addressed the war in Ukraine, criticized autocracy and marginalization, and offered the Vatican as a venue for peace talks. Thousands attended the inaugural Mass, with a sense of excitement in St Peter's Square. Attendees shared their feelings of hope and inspiration regarding the new Pope's leadership.