Pope Leo XIV, the Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost who made history as the first US pontiff, commenced his papacy with a highly anticipated debut tour of St Peter's Square on Sunday. Ahead of his formal inauguration mass, the newly elected head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics greeted tens of thousands of pilgrims and well-wishers, radiating warmth and blessing to the gathered crowds.
Riding in a white popemobile, the 69-year-old Leo XIV traversed the square, waving, smiling, and making the sign of the cross, engaging with the jubilant crowd that had gathered to witness the beginning of his reign. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and hope as Catholics from around the globe welcomed their new leader.
The inauguration mass, scheduled to begin at 10:00 am (0800 GMT), drew hundreds of dignitaries from across the globe, including US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also a Catholic, representing the United States. The ceremony, steeped in tradition and symbolism, will see Leo XIV receive the special papal ring and deliver a homily that is expected to outline the key themes and priorities of his papacy.
While unknown to many Catholics prior to his election on May 8, after spending two decades as a missionary in Peru, Leo XIV has offered glimpses of his leadership style in the week leading up to his inauguration. In meetings with journalists, clergy, and diplomats, he has consistently called for peace in a world grappling with numerous conflicts and underscored the importance of social justice.
Simultaneously, he has reaffirmed traditional Catholic values, emphasizing the significance of a family built upon a "stable union of a man and a woman" and advocating for the rights of the unborn. This blend of social justice advocacy and traditional values suggests a papacy that seeks to navigate the complexities of the modern world while remaining grounded in core Catholic teachings.
Inacia Lisboa, a 71-year-old originally from Cape Verde and now residing in Rome, exemplifies the enthusiasm surrounding Leo XIV's election. She rose early to secure a prime viewing spot, expressing that the new pope had already "entered my heart." When asked about her hopes for his papacy, she said, "The first thing is that he prays for us all, for peace in the world — we need it so much."
Leo XIV's elevation has generated significant excitement in the United States, with high-profile representatives attending the inauguration. Before assuming the papacy, his personal X account (now inaccessible) had reportedly reposted criticism of the Trump administration's approach to migration and had also criticized Vance, adding an intriguing political dimension to his persona.
Notably, Vance was the last world leader to meet with Pope Francis, the day before the Argentine pontiff's death on April 21 after a 12-year tenure. This meeting underscores the continuity and transition within the papacy.
Other prominent guests expected at the inauguration include Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky – known for his memorable meeting with Trump at Francis's funeral in St Peter's Basilica – and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Additionally, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Colombia's Gustavo Petro, and a selection of European royals are on the Vatican's guest list.
In anticipation of the event, Italian authorities have implemented extensive security measures, deploying thousands of officers, snipers on rooftops, and anti-drone technology to ensure the safety of attendees.
Central to the inauguration mass is the ceremony where Leo XIV will receive the pontifical emblems. This includes the pallium, a strip of cloth worn over the chasuble, symbolizing papal authority, and the fisherman's ring. This ring, forged anew for each pope, is worn until death, at which point it is destroyed, symbolizing the end of that pontiff's reign.
The ceremony will begin with Leo XIV visiting the tomb of Saint Peter, the first pope according to Christian tradition, located beneath the altar of St Peter's Basilica. Following the reception of the pontifical emblems, the new pope will lead a procession into St Peter's Square, where large screens will broadcast the proceedings to the assembled crowds.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV will greet the delegations of heads of state, although it remains uncertain whether any of them will be granted individual private audiences. The world watches with anticipation as Pope Leo XIV embarks on his journey as the leader of the Catholic Church, navigating the complexities of the modern world while upholding its traditions and values.