Today marks a sacred day for the globe’s billion-plus Catholics with the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

But for the scores of world leaders attending the event in the Vatican it presents a rare opportunity to pursue peace at a time when war rages in Europe and the Middle East

Pilgrims gathered in great number in St Peter’s Square in honour of the new leader of the Catholic Church.

Australians present included South Australian farmer David Greenslade and his partner Tracy Pel.

“I said to all the boys in the Mount Barker footy club, I’m heading over to Rome, and I might as well go and meet the Pope. They said you’ll never do that and well, yes I did,” he told 9News.

One Victorian family adjusted its European holiday to be in town.

“We just thought thought it was a moment in history we don’t want to miss,” Nadia Edwards said.

Ahead of the papal mass, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited a Rome chapel run by the Australian Catholic Church.

“There’s such joy in the city at the moment watching pilgrims come up the via Conciliazione,” Greg Bennet, the Bishop of Sale said.

As much as the inauguration of Pope Leo is a spiritual event, for the world leaders attending it’s a rare opportunity to pursue peace and resolution on persistent points of conflict.

US Vice President JD Vance leads the American delegation having met Pope Leo’s predecessor the day before he died

Kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents are also attending.

Albanese is to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after the inauguration to resurrect free trade talks with the EU.

“We’re up for a deal, but not any deal at any price. We’re up for a deal that’s in Australia’s national interest,” he said.

“I think what this demonstrates is that the world is willing to trade around the US rather than having to trade with the US,” Nationals leader David Littleproud said.

Diplomatic speed-dating will also include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Jenkins, a former teacher, was fighting for Ukraine when he was caught by Russia, with Vladimir Putin’s regime sentencing him to 13 years in jail.

“We consider this to be a sham trial and we don’t believe Mr Jenkins should be treated this way,” Queensland Senator Murray Watt said.

“Let’s be very clear, this sentence by Russia is an outrage,” Albanese said.

There’s hope Jenkins may be part of a prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia.