Vatican City, May 9, 2025 — In an unprecedented and historic moment, Pope Leo XIV – the first American ever elected to the papacy – was officially inaugurated this morning in St. Peter’s Square before hundreds of thousands of faithful and church officials from around the world. However, instead of delivering a traditional and ceremonial address, the new Pontiff stunned the Vatican with a bold and unusually candid critique of the very institution he now leads: the papal throne.
A Historic Moment with Deep Significance
The election of an American Pope had already drawn global attention from the start of the Conclave. Leo XIV – born Joseph Michael Donovan, 68, from Pennsylvania – is widely known as a progressive theologian with strong reformist leanings. Before his election, he served as the Archbishop of New York and was recognized for his outspoken advocacy on immigration, environmental protection, and financial transparency within the Church.
The inauguration ceremony was solemn yet distinctly marked by signs of innovation, reflecting the character of the new Pope. Many traditional elements were simplified or replaced by gestures emphasizing humility and dialogue with the global Catholic community.
Yet the most striking moment came not from the format of the ceremony, but from Leo XIV’s first words as the new head of the Catholic Church.
Controversial Statement: “This throne has harmed the Church more than it has preserved it”
After introducing the College of Cardinals and expressing gratitude for their trust, Pope Leo XIV devoted most of his speech to the theme of “responsibility and truth.” What began as a reflective tone quickly turned into an assertive message:
“I did not seek a throne. I am not seduced by power or adulation. The papal throne – throughout history – has been a beacon for millions, but it has also symbolized distance, conservatism, and concealment.”
He continued:
“We must have the courage to face the truth: this throne, meant to serve, has too often been used to dominate. It has damaged trust, delayed necessary change, and at times, become a wall between the Church and its people.”
These remarks sent immediate shockwaves through the Vatican and Catholic communities worldwide. Some cardinals appeared visibly startled, while many younger attendees erupted into applause, welcoming the Pope’s bold call for reform.
Mixed Reactions from Church Leadership
Shortly after the ceremony, various Catholic media outlets across Europe published commentary criticizing the speech as “imprudent,” “dangerous,” and “divisive.” One anonymous Italian cardinal told the press, “He’s been in office less than an hour and has already ignited a deep debate about the very legitimacy of the Holy See’s traditions.”
Still, others came to his defense. Bishop Aloysius Kim of South Korea said, “The Holy Father speaks not to please, but to reveal truth. That is exactly what the Church needs right now in this crisis of faith.”
A Bold Beginning – And Many Challenges Ahead
With such a powerful declaration on his first day, Pope Leo XIV has clearly signaled his intention to lead differently. However, the path of reform he envisions is bound to face serious resistance from within the Vatican itself – a place steeped in centuries of tradition and entrenched power structures.
The key question now is whether Leo XIV’s bold words will usher in a new era of transparency, service, and open dialogue – or whether they will intensify long-standing internal tensions within the global Church.
While the answer remains to be seen, one thing is certain: today the world witnessed a historic turning point – not just because of the rise of an American Pope, but because of a leader who dared to speak truths rarely acknowledged at the heart of Vatican power.
