In a momentous and historic event, Leo XIV was formally inaugurated Sunday as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church—the first American ever to hold the position. Tens of thousands of worshippers, along with world leaders and royalty from across the globe, gathered in St. Peter’s Square to show the spectacular two-hour ritualistic formality that marks the official opening of his papacy.
Reached in the popemobile to a sea of fluttering flags and cheers of “Viva il Papa,” Pope Leo congratulated the mass with wide smile and grace, concisely ending to kiss a child—an image already circulating widely as a symbol of his pastoral approach. Security was tight, with Italian authorities cordoning off a zone designed to accommodate up to 250,000 people.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the historic nature of Leo’s American origin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also attended, a notable appearance given the Vatican’s ongoing diplomatic engagement in the conflict in Eastern Europe. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was present as well, reflecting Pope Leo’s deep personal and spiritual connection to Peru, where he served for decades as a missionary and later as a bishop.
Delegations from more than 150 nations were represented at the Mass, underscoring the global significance of the Catholic Church and its newly appointed leader. The Vatican described the turnout as one of the largest seen in recent years, demonstrating a renewed interest and hope among the faithful.
“There is no room in the Catholic Church for religious propaganda or power plays,” he declared, drawing strong applause from the crowd. He spoke out against economic systems that, in his words, “exploit the earth’s resources and marginalize the vulnerable,” signaling intent to carry forward the Church’s advocacy for environmental justice and social equity.
In a tone echoing that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo emphasized humility over authority. “I was not chosen for this role because of my own merit,” he said. “I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy.” The words drew emotional reactions from many in the audience, some of whom had traveled thousands of miles to witness the historic event.
Although Pope Leo was elected on May 8 following the conclave, the formal beginning of his papacy is marked by Sunday’s Mass. His first general audience with the public is scheduled for May 21, where further insight into his pastoral and doctrinal priorities is expected.
As the church turns over a new leaf, many are looking up Leo XIV to bring a fresh landscape to the papacy. With his roots in both North and South America, and a message centered on service and solidarity, Pope Leo’s tenure promises to be both dynamic and closely watched.
In a momentous and historic event, Leo XIV was formally inaugurated Sunday as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church—the first American ever to hold the position. Tens of thousands of worshippers, along with world leaders and royalty from across the globe, gathered in St. Peter’s Square to show the spectacular two-hour ritualistic formality that marks the official opening of his papacy.
Reached in the popemobile to a sea of fluttering flags and cheers of “Viva il Papa,” Pope Leo congratulated the mass with wide smile and grace, concisely ending to kiss a child—an image already circulating widely as a symbol of his pastoral approach. Security was tight, with Italian authorities cordoning off a zone designed to accommodate up to 250,000 people.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the historic nature of Leo’s American origin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also attended, a notable appearance given the Vatican’s ongoing diplomatic engagement in the conflict in Eastern Europe. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was present as well, reflecting Pope Leo’s deep personal and spiritual connection to Peru, where he served for decades as a missionary and later as a bishop.
Delegations from more than 150 nations were represented at the Mass, underscoring the global significance of the Catholic Church and its newly appointed leader. The Vatican described the turnout as one of the largest seen in recent years, demonstrating a renewed interest and hope among the faithful.
“There is no room in the Catholic Church for religious propaganda or power plays,” he declared, drawing strong applause from the crowd. He spoke out against economic systems that, in his words, “exploit the earth’s resources and marginalize the vulnerable,” signaling intent to carry forward the Church’s advocacy for environmental justice and social equity.
In a tone echoing that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo emphasized humility over authority. “I was not chosen for this role because of my own merit,” he said. “I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy.” The words drew emotional reactions from many in the audience, some of whom had traveled thousands of miles to witness the historic event.
Although Pope Leo was elected on May 8 following the conclave, the formal beginning of his papacy is marked by Sunday’s Mass. His first general audience with the public is scheduled for May 21, where further insight into his pastoral and doctrinal priorities is expected.
As the church turns over a new leaf, many are looking up Leo XIV to bring a fresh landscape to the papacy. With his roots in both North and South America, and a message centered on service and solidarity, Pope Leo’s tenure promises to be both dynamic and closely watched.
