Pope Leo XIV Inaugurated in Historic Mass at St. Peter’s Square
- Victor Nwoko
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Pope Leo XIV officially began his papacy with a solemn and grand Inauguration Mass on Sunday, May 18, at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square, drawing dignitaries, world leaders, and thousands of worshippers from around the globe.
The ceremony marked the formal commencement of Leo XIV’s leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 due to a stroke. The Mass began with a sacred procession from St. Peter’s Basilica, where the newly elected pontiff and senior clergy visited the tomb of St. Peter in prayer before entering the square for the liturgy.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, now holds the distinction of being the first pope from the United States. Born in Chicago and holding dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru, Leo was elected on May 8 after just three rounds of voting during a two-day conclave.
During the ceremony, the pope offered prayers and sprinkled holy water on the crowd as a remembrance of baptism. The rite continued with hymns and scripture readings, including the traditional singing of “The Gloria.” Leo then received the ring of the fisherman—a powerful symbol of papal authority referencing St. Peter—from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and the pallium, a white lambswool vestment adorned with three pins signifying Christ’s crucifixion and Leo’s role as a shepherd of the Church.
A symbolic moment followed as the choir sang in Greek, and representatives of marriage and children approached the pontiff to offer tributes. Leo addressed the crowd “with a heart full of gratitude,” quoting St. Augustine and reflecting on the grief left by Pope Francis’s passing. He acknowledged being “chosen with no merit of my own,” stating that his election was entirely in “God’s hands.”
The new pope’s homily expressed his commitment to unity and humility, emphasizing the Church’s role amid “violence, prejudice, fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the world’s resources and marginalizes the poorest.” Leo declared his intention to serve as a “servant of your faith and joy,” and reaffirmed that “all are welcome” in the Church.
Notable figures present at the inauguration included Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh; U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance; and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Despite past criticism from the pope, Vice President Vance was seen among the delegation paying respects.
Communion was offered to the masses gathered in the square, and Pope Leo remarked that the “spiritual presence of Pope Francis” was felt throughout the day.
Leo’s first public address earlier in May emphasized peace, inclusion, and gratitude to his predecessor, his fellow cardinals, and his home diocese in Chiclayo, Peru. He called for a “synodal Church,” one that “walks, seeks peace, seeks charity, and stays close especially to those who suffer.”
As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out over the square, the papacy of Pope Leo XIV officially began—ushering in a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
Comments