Pope Leo XIV held a special audience for religious leaders who participated in the Solemn Mass marking the inauguration of his Petrine Ministry. The encounter, rich in symbolism and spiritual significance, underscored the Catholic Church’s enduring commitment to dialogue, peace, and global fraternity.

Leaders and representatives from various faith traditions — including Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and others — gathered at the Vatican to pay their respects and to affirm a shared hope for deeper understanding in a fractured world. It was not just a gesture of protocol, but a bold reaffirmation of the Church\'s universal outreach.

Addressing the gathering, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, lauding him as a “shepherd of fraternity” who tirelessly promoted ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue.

“Pope Francis promoted both the ecumenical path and inter-religious dialogue,” Pope Leo said. “Above all, by cultivating interpersonal relations, in such a way that, without taking anything away from ecclesial bonds, the human trait of encounter was always valued. May God help us to treasure his witness!”

The moment was historic not only for its breadth of representation but for its tone — warm, inclusive, and anchored in mutual respect. The presence of diverse faith leaders at the Mass and at this private audience signals the continuity of a papacy deeply attuned to the cries of a divided world yearning for reconciliation.

As flashbulbs captured the serene exchanges — papal white alongside robes, turbans, and kippahs — the message was clear: dialogue is not a diplomatic formality, but a sacred duty.

In a world torn by war, fear, and mistrust, Pope Leo XIV’s gesture offers a hopeful counterpoint — that peace begins with encounter, and fraternity is the future.