With solemn rite in St. Peter’s Square
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV commenced his papacy on May 18, 2025, with a solemn inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, marking the official beginning of his Petrine Ministry. The ceremony, steeped in rich symbolism and tradition, underscored his role as Saint Peter’s successor and the shepherd of the Catholic Church.
The solemn Mass, which began at 10:00 AM CET, was attended by over 250,000 pilgrims and over 151 international delegations, including dignitaries such as US Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
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European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, were also present, reflecting the event’s global significance.
St. Peter’s Square and adjoining streets were crammed with people from across the world, eager to be a part of papal history. They watched the solemn Mass on large digital screens while waving personal signs and national flags of the countries they hailed from.
Rite of inauguration
The liturgy commenced within St. Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Leo XIV, accompanied by the Patriarchs of the Eastern Churches, descended to the chapel housing Saint Peter’s tomb. There, he paused in prayer and incensed the site, symbolising the deep connection between the Bishop of Rome and the Apostle Peter, who bore witness to the faith with his blood near that place.
Following this, two deacons processed with the Pallium, the Ring of the Fisherman, and the Book of the Gospels toward the St. Peter’s Square altar. The Cardinal Protodeacon placed the Pallium, a narrow band of white wool adorned with six black crosses, upon the Pope. This vestment symbolises the Pope as the “Good Shepherd,” echoing Christ’s call to tend His flock.
The Cardinal Camerlengo then presented Pope Leo XIV with the Ring of the Fisherman, a signet ring featuring an image of Saint Peter casting his net. This ring signifies the seal of faith entrusted to Peter and, by extension, the Pope to strengthen his brethren.
Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist
The Liturgy of the Word followed, with readings proclaimed in multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, Latin, and Greek. The First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles highlighted Peter’s proclamation of Christ as “the stone rejected by the builders”. The Responsorial Psalm continued this imagery, declaring, “The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.”
The Gospel reading from the Gospel of John recounts Jesus’ threefold question to Peter, “Do you love me?” and His command to “Feed my lambs,” underscoring Peter’s foundational role among the Twelve Apostles.
Following the proclamation of the Gospel, three Cardinals from different continents approached Pope Leo XIV to confer the Pallium and the Ring of the Fisherman upon him. Each Cardinal offered prayers invoking Christ, “Shepherd and Bishop of our souls,” to grant strength and gentleness to the new Pope.
The Mass continued with the Rite of Obedience, during which 12 representatives from various categories of the People of God pledged their obedience to the Pope. This was followed by singing the Creed and the Universal Prayer, with intercessions offered in multiple languages, including Portuguese, French, Arabic, Polish, and Chinese.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist commenced with the Offertory chant “Tu es pastor ovium” (“You are the Shepherd of the sheep”), and Pope Leo XIV prayed the First Eucharistic Prayer, the Roman Canon. After the Communion Rite, he prayed that God may confirm the Church in unity and charity and grant salvation and protection to himself and the flock entrusted to his care.
Concluding rites
Before the celebration, Pope Leo XIV offered a brief address to the assembly. Following the singing of the Regina Caeli, he imparted the solemn blessing, invoking the biblical imagery of the vine and vineyard applied to the Church. He prayed that the Lord may “look upon” and “protect” the vine He has planted and asked that His face of salvation may “shine” upon all.
The inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV was a momentous occasion that not only marked the beginning of his pontificate but also reaffirmed the deep-rooted traditions and symbols that define the papacy. The ceremony highlighted the continuity of the Catholic Church’s mission and the Pope’s role as the spiritual leader of the faithful worldwide.
In the days following the inauguration, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to take possession of the Papal Basilicas of St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major, further solidifying his role as the Bishop of Rome and the shepherd of the universal Church.
Image: Pope Leo XIV commenced his papacy on May 18, 2025, with a grand inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. Credit: Catholic News Agency
