Pope Leo XIV was formally inaugurated as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church during a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Square, marking a historic moment for the Church and the world.
As the first American-born pontiff, his inauguration drew tens of thousands of worshippers and a notable roster of global dignitaries, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During the ceremony, Pope Leo received the Ring of the Fisherman — a deeply symbolic tradition representing his succession to Saint Peter — and the pallium, a woolen stole that signifies his role as a shepherd to the global Catholic flock.
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Before the Mass, Leo made his debut in the iconic Popemobile, warmly greeting the gathered crowd in St. Peter’s Square with waves, smiles, and blessings. It was the first time he traveled in the vehicle since his election.
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In his homily, Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of humility and hope. “It is with fear and trembling that I come before you as a brother,” he said, urging unity within the Church and an end to global conflict. The message echoed his earlier calls for peace and reconciliation, which he emphasized during his first Mass on May 8, shortly after the conclave elected him to the papacy.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his tenure, many Catholics and observers around the world are watching with interest to see how his background and vision will shape the future of the Church in a time marked by division and unrest.
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