Pope Leo XIV was formally inaugurated today in St Peter’s Square, marking the official start of his papacy. Thousands of well-wishers gathered to witness the historic event, where the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church made his first public appearance in the Popemobile.
The inauguration Mass began at 10 a.m., attracting world and religious leaders from across the globe. Among the dignitaries present were UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, US Vice-President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Britain’s Prince Edward, representing King Charles.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, is the first pope from the United States. He was elected earlier this month in a conclave of 133 cardinals from 70 countries, which lasted just over 24 hours. His swift election ended a period of mourning following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV received two significant symbols of the papacy: the gold fisherman’s ring and the lamb’s wool pallium. The ring represents the beginning and end of a pontificate and is ceremoniously destroyed after a pope’s death. The pallium, draped over his shoulders, symbolizes his role as the spiritual shepherd of the Catholic faithful.
In his first public address from the Popemobile, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd with the word “Peace,” reflecting his commitment to global harmony. His inaugural homily is expected to focus on ongoing international conflicts, echoing themes he has frequently addressed on social media since his election.
Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship. Before his papacy, he was known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, including critiques of the previous US administration. He is now poised to lead the Church with a modern approach, actively engaging millions of followers through official Vatican social media accounts, including an X account with over 18 million followers.
The inauguration ceremony demonstrated a blend of tradition and modernity, signaling a new era for the Catholic Church under its first North American pope.
