The world watched as Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, was inaugurated at the Vatican. The inauguration Mass, held in St. Peter’s Square, was attended by over 200,000 people, including dignitaries such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Pope Leo XIV used his inaugural address to call for unity, peace, and an end to hatred and division, setting the tone for his papacy.
This live blog provides ongoing coverage of the inauguration, including key moments from the Mass, excerpts from Pope Leo XIV’s homily, and reactions from attendees. Follow for up-to-the-minute updates on this historic event.
Here are the main points to expect from this live coverage:
- Highlights from Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass
- Key excerpts from the Pope’s homily, emphasizing unity and denouncing economic exploitation
- Arrivals and reactions of prominent attendees, including JD Vance and Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Background on the rituals and symbols of the papal inauguration
Dignitaries and Guests Arrive at the Vatican
Before the Mass began, numerous dignitaries and guests arrived at the Vatican. Among them were Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the U.S. delegation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s expected attendance underscored the global significance of the event and Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace. Kings and Queens such as Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also arrived. Representatives from over 150 international delegations were also present, marking a diverse and significant turnout. According to NBC News, security was tight as crowds gathered, eager to witness the historic event.
Pope Leo XIV’s Procession and Prayer at St. Peter’s Tomb
The inauguration commenced with Pope Leo XIV walking in procession through St. Peter’s Basilica, where he then descended to pray at the tomb of St. Peter. This visit to St. Peter’s tomb, lasting six minutes, symbolizes the new Pope’s connection to the origins of the Catholic Church and his commitment to upholding its traditions. Trumpets heralded Pope Leo XIV as he entered the Basilica and descended to pray at St. Peter’s tomb.
Imposition of the Pallium and Bestowal of the Fisherman’s Ring
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti placed the white wool pallium on Pope Leo XIV’s shoulders, symbolizing pastoral service and his communion with the universal church. The pallium, woven by the Benedictine nuns of Santa Cecilia in Urbe, is made from the wool of two lambs, blessed each year on January 21, and is worn over the shoulders, fastened with three pins resembling the nails of the cross. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re then bestowed the Fisherman’s Ring on Pope Leo’s finger, signifying his authority as the successor of St. Peter.
“The Fisherman’s Ring is a signet ring presented to a new pope at his inauguration, as a symbol of his episcopal authority and as the successor of St. Peter”
Pope Leo XIV’s Homily: A Vision for Unity and Peace
Pope Leo XIV delivered his homily in Italian, outlining his vision for the Church, with a strong emphasis on love and unity. In his homily, Pope Leo XIV called for a welcoming church that values diversity and rejects hatred and division. He said that the Church’s authority must be rooted in charity, not power, and disavowed “an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest.
“In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest.”
Communion, Cardinals’ Homage, and Final Blessing
Following the homily, Pope Leo XIV received communion, and cardinals paid homage by kissing his ring in a gesture of obedience. This part of the mass underscores the Pope’s spiritual role and the cardinals’ support. As the mass concluded, Pope Leo XIV delivered his final blessing, stating “Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus,” meaning “May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The bells of St. Peter’s then rang out, marking the end of the inauguration mass.
Attendance and Meetings with World Leaders
The Vatican estimated an audience of 200,000 people in and around St. Peter’s Square, including over 150 international delegations. Key attendees included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV held a private meeting with Zelenskyy to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine. He also met with Dina Boluarte, the president of Peru.
Conclusion: A New Era for the Catholic Church
Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church. His message of unity, peace, and social justice resonated throughout the ceremony. With over 200,000 attendees and representatives from more than 150 nations, the event showcased the global importance of the Catholic Church and the hopes placed on its new leader. His emphasis on love and inclusivity will guide the Church in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
Key takeaways from the inauguration include:
- Pope Leo XIV’s call for unity and rejection of hatred and division.
- His commitment to social justice and denouncement of economic exploitation.
- The presence of key world leaders, signifying the importance of the Vatican in global diplomacy.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the world watches with anticipation, hopeful that his vision for a more unified and compassionate Church will become a reality.
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