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On 18 May 2025, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the inauguration Mass of his pontificate, formally known as the Mass for the Beginning of the Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of Rome. 

The event was attended by some 200,000 people, including dozens of world leaders and 150 formal delegations. While Leo became the Roman Pontiff at the moment of his acceptance in the Sistine Chapel upon being elected in the 2025 papal conclave, the inauguration celebration marked the formal beginning of his ministry as the Bishop of Rome. The Mass included the bestowal of the pallium and Ring of the Fisherman, and was followed by meetings with various delegations and world leaders.

Prior to the ceremony, Leo toured St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile for the first time, where attendees shouted Viva il Papa! (Long live the Pope), “USA, USA!” with at least one person chanting “White Sox!”, referencing his native land and favorite baseball team. The liturgy formally began at 10 a.m. at Saint Peter’s tomb underneath the baldachin of the high altar of St. Peter’s basilica. Surrounded by the Patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic Churches, Leo incensed the tomb while the choir sang Tu es Petrus. Ascending from the grottoes, Leo was joined in procession to the square by two deacons holding the Ring of the Fisherman and the papal pallium, as well as cardinals and bishops. The traditional Laudes Regiae chant was sung during the procession. Leo then conducted the asperges rite, typical on Sundays of the Easter Season. 

The first reading from Acts 4:8-12 was proclaimed in Spanish, referencing Leo’s work in the Diocese of Chiclayo. The psalm was sung in Italian, for his new diocese; the second reading from 1 Peter 5:1-5, 10-11 was proclaimed in English by a faculty member from the Pontifical North American College, referencing his country of birth. The Gospel, John 21:15-19 was chant in Latin by a deacon from Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend, Indiana, then subsequently chanted in Greek. 

Cardinal Mario Zenari, representing the cardinal deacons, imposed the pallium on Leo’s shoulders. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, representing cardinal priests, conferred a prayer of blessing on the pope. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, representing cardinal bishops, then bestowed the Ring of the Fisherman upon the pontiff. Leo appeared visibly moved by the moment.Following the bestowal of papal insignia, twelve delegates representing the Catholic Church from around the world, including clerics, vowed religious, a married couple, and young adults, were received by Leo. The homily delivered by Leo followed, where he spoke in Italian. 

The prayers of the faithful were delivered in Arabic, Chinese, French, Polish, and Portuguese. Tu es pastor ovium was changed during the offertory. Leo prayed the Roman Canon.Before the conclusion of Mass, Leo offered some brief remarks, especially offering prayers for the conflicts in Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine. The Regina Caeli was sung, followed by the final blessing. Some 30 heads of state, 200 cardinals, and 750 bishops and priests were present. Throughout the ceremony, Leo used the papal ferula commonly used by Pope John Paul II. 

Homily

Leo began his sermon by thanking those who were present, and remembering the emotions of the previous weeks following the death of Pope Francis and subsequent conclave. With “fear and trembling”, Leo said, he would approach the Church as a brother and servant, recalling the two-fold aspects of ministry entrusted to Saint Peter: love and unity. Leo expressed a desire for unity and communion in the Church and in the world. He condemned exploitation of Earth’s resources and marginalization of the poor. He referenced his papal motto, “in the one Christ, we are one”, and exclaimed “Look to Christ! Come closer to him!”

Leo will take possession of the other major basilicas in the days following the inauguration, with ceremonies to be held at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls on 20 May, and at the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on 25 May.

 

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