Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, was officially installed as the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church at the Vatican on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
According to the AFP, the new pope, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost and born in Chicago, made his debut appearance in St. Peter’s Square aboard the iconic popemobile. Beaming and waving to tens of thousands of jubilant pilgrims, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful while making the sign of the cross during a moving tour of the square.
The 69-year-old cleric, who spent over two decades as a missionary in Peru, began his papacy with an inauguration mass rich in tradition and symbolism. As part of the rites, he received the pallium—a liturgical vestment—and the Fisherman’s Ring, a key emblem of the papal office.
“I came here early because I already feel a deep connection with him,” said Inacia Lisboa, a 71-year-old Cape Verdean living in Rome. “All I want is for him to pray for peace. The world needs it more than ever.”
Among the high-profile guests in attendance were U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also joined the list of world leaders who witnessed the ceremony, which was closely guarded by thousands of security personnel, snipers, and anti-drone teams deployed throughout the city.
Pope Leo’s election followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21, marking the end of a 12-year papacy. His predecessor was remembered for his dynamic and often controversial approach to Church leadership. The new pontiff’s first public remarks as pope emphasized a blend of continuity and conservatism.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the Church’s commitment to peace and social justice, while also affirming traditional Catholic teachings, stating, “A family, in its truest form, is built on the enduring union of a man and a woman. The sanctity of life must always be upheld.”
While Pope Leo is relatively unfamiliar to many Catholics, his recent public engagements have offered insights into his pastoral style. He has shown a firm stance on global conflicts and social issues, calling on leaders to prioritize compassion and unity.
The ceremony began with a private visit to the tomb of Saint Peter, regarded as the first pope, beneath the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. From there, Pope Leo processed into the square, accompanied by cardinals and clergy, while the mass was broadcast on large screens for the benefit of the faithful gathered outside.
The Vatican has not disclosed whether the new pope will grant individual audiences to attending heads of state, though he is expected to hold informal meetings in the coming days.
Pope Leo XIV’s ascent to the papacy marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church, as it continues to navigate modern challenges while preserving centuries-old traditions.
