Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, will be formally inaugurated as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church in a special Mass at St. Peter’s Square, attended by world leaders, royalty, and thousands of believers. The ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. Rome time, will be rich in symbolism and mark the official beginning of Pope Leo’s papacy.
The 69-year-old Chicago-born pontiff will greet people in St. Peter’s Square using the popemobile for the first time before heading inside the basilica for the Mass. He will be joined by leaders of Eastern Orthodox churches for the first part of the service, where he will pray at the tomb of St. Peter.
“Never again war!” Pope Leo XIV emphasized in his first Vatican address, calling for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. This sentiment reflects his commitment to promoting peace and resolving conflicts worldwide. As the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo’s words carry significant weight, and his message of peace will likely resonate with Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Symbols of Office
During the ceremony, Pope Leo will receive the symbols of office, including the pallium, a lamb’s wool vestment symbolizing his pastoral care for the church, and the fisherman’s ring, which symbolizes the Pope’s authority as the successor of St. Peter. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti will place the pallium over the new pontiff, while Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines will present Leo with the signet “ring of the fisherman.” The ring features an image of St. Peter on the outside band, with “Leo XIV” and the pope’s coat of arms engraved on the inside, symbolizing his “betrothal” to the entire church.
The pallium and the fisherman’s ring are significant symbols of the Pope’s office, representing his role as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. The pallium, in particular, is a reminder of the Pope’s pastoral care for the church, while the fisherman’s ring symbolizes his authority as the successor of St. Peter.
A Commitment to Reform
The inauguration ceremony will also include representatives of ordinary Catholics from across the world showing their “obedience” to the pope, a nod to Leo’s intent to continue reforms started by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Pope Leo XIV has expressed commitment to empowering ordinary people and addressing societal issues. This commitment to reform is likely to be a hallmark of his papacy, and the inclusion of ordinary Catholics in the ceremony is a significant step towards greater inclusivity and participation in the life of the church.
After the Mass, the pope will lead the Regina Caeli prayer and meet with international delegations inside the basilica. The Regina Caeli prayer is a traditional prayer of the Catholic Church, and the pope’s leadership of this prayer will be a significant moment in the ceremony.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The ceremony will be attended by prominent figures, including US Vice-President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the President of Peru, Dina Boluarte. Countries from across the globe will be represented, with the Vatican hosting delegates from more than 150 nations. The presence of these dignitaries underscores the significance of the occasion and the importance of the Pope’s role in global affairs.
The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV marks a new era for the Catholic Church, one that is likely to be characterized by a commitment to reform, a focus on empowering ordinary people, and a strong emphasis on promoting peace and resolving conflicts worldwide. As the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo’s words and actions will have a significant impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.