The formal installation of Leo XIV, the first American to become pope, is currently taking place during a ceremonial Mass in St. Peter’s Square, witnessed by thousands of faithful, global dignitaries, and members of royalty.
As the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo made his entrance in the popemobile, drawing jubilant applause from the vast crowd gathered in the square as he greeted them while circling the area in the specially equipped vehicle.
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Scheduled for May 18, the inaugural Mass is steeped in tradition and ceremony.
During the event, Pope Leo will receive key symbols of his new role: the pallium, a woolen vestment representing his responsibility as a spiritual shepherd, and the fisherman’s ring, denoting his role as the successor to St. Peter—the apostle regarded by Catholics as the Church’s first pope and known for his life as a fisherman.
High-profile figures attending the two-hour liturgy include U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Peru’s President Dina Boluarte—whose country Pope Leo served for many years as a bishop and missionary.
Delegations from over 150 nations are present, underscoring the global nature of the occasion.A Vatican spokesperson noted that the 69-year-old pontiff, originally from Chicago, plans to meet with various national representatives following the ceremony on Sunday.
Although Leo’s election took place on May 8, the formal start of his papacy is marked by the May 18 inauguration.
His first public general audience is scheduled to follow shortly after, on May 21.Since his election, Pope Leo has already celebrated his first Mass on May 9, during which he urged the clergy to embrace humility, reiterated his appeal for peace, and shed light on why he chose the name Leo.
He later delivered his first official Vatican address, using the platform to advocate for peace in conflict regions such as Ukraine and Gaza, stating, “Never again war!”Known for his love of tennis, Pope Leo has also taken time to engage with the media and recently met with Jannik Sinner, the world’s top-ranked male tennis player.
