Pope Leo XIV was officially inaugurated as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square. The ceremony, witnessed by more than 200,000 people including world leaders, religious figures, and pilgrims from around the world, marked the beginning of his leadership with a message centered on unity, humility, and peace.
Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. He grew up in Dolton, Illinois, and was very active in his local church, St. Mary of the Assumption, where his family was also involved.
The new pope arrived in the white Popemobile, smiling and waving to the crowds who had filled the square since early morning. Cheers echoed through the square as he made his way to the altar.
During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV received two of the most significant symbols of his office. The Ring of the Fisherman, a gold signet bearing the image of Saint Peter casting a net, was placed on his finger by a senior cardinal. The ring symbolizes his role as Peter’s successor, a tradition dating back to the Church’s earliest days.
He also received the pallium, a white woolen band worn over the shoulders, representing his duty as shepherd to Catholics worldwide, charged with guiding the faithful with humility and care.
In his first homily as pope, Leo XIV said, “With fear and trembling, I approach you as a brother,” encouraging the Church to move forward together in faith and unity.
He called on Catholics everywhere to commit to love in action, to live with courage, sacrifice, and mercy. “Let us walk toward God together,” he said. “Let us love one another, not in word alone but in presence.”
At the end of the service, the pope prayed for peace around the world. He specifically spoke about the war in Ukraine, saying, “The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen.”
The inauguration drew a wide range of global dignitaries. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife attended on behalf of the United States, the pope’s country of birth, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska were also present, along with European royalty, including King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, representing the British royal family. They were among many world leaders who attended the historic occasion.
After the Mass, Pope Leo XIV stepped down from the altar and briefly greeted members of the crowd, shaking hands, blessing children, and exchanging greetings with those nearby.
