Pontifical Solemnity Marks the Beginning of the Pontificate of Leo XIV in the Vatican

In a ceremony of sublime grandeur, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV formally inaugurated his pontificate on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with the sacred Mass of Enthronement in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Thousands of faithful, gathered under the Roman sky, witnessed the historic moment, joined by delegations from nations and foreign leaders, totaling over 150 representatives.

Ten days after his election to the Apostolic See, the 69-year-old Pontiff delivered a homily in which, aligned with the Church’s social doctrine, he vehemently censured the imbalances of an economic system that, while exploiting the Earth’s resources, marginalizes the most vulnerable. “In our time, discord persists, wounds inflicted by hatred, violence, and an economic paradigm that depletes the planet’s wealth and excludes the most humble,” he declared in Italian, his words reverberating across the globe.

Prior to the Eucharistic celebration, the Holy Father—the first Supreme Pontiff of North American origin—traversed St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile, greeting with visible emotion the crowd, estimated by Reuters at two hundred thousand souls. Amid applause, waving flags, and mutual blessings, the moment was described by attendees as “festive and filled with hope for a future under divine grace.”

Symbols of the Petrine Ministry and Call to Unity

During the liturgy, Leo XIV received the sacred emblems of his office: the pallium, a white woolen vestment, and the Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing his union with the Church. In his address, he urged the Catholic community toward charity and unity, stating: “I ardently desire a united Church, a sign of communion, capable of guiding the world toward reconciliation.”

The Pontiff further condemned the instrumentalization of faith for domination, asserting that “true strength lies in humility, not in propaganda or temporal power.”

Illustrious Attendees and Sacred Protocol

The ceremony, which began with prayers at the tomb of St. Peter, included dignitaries such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Among the delegations were German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French Prime Minister François Bayrou, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the King and Queen of Spain, Felipe VI and Letizia.

Historical Context and Renewed Hope

On a day marked by symbolism and tradition, the Pontiff concluded the rite with an appeal for peace, reiterating the Church’s role as a “beacon of hope in times of darkness.” The date, engraved in the annals of the Holy See, consecrates not only the start of a new ministry but also a call to universal fraternity.

*First modification: May 18, 2025 – 3:40 PM

Reading time: 3 minutes*

*Images:

1. Pope Leo XIV celebrates the inaugural Mass of his pontificate in St. Peter’s Square (Vatican, 05/18/2025).

2. The Pontiff greets the faithful from the popemobile, surrounded by acclaim.

3. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife attend the ceremony.*

Suraay

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