Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, was formally installed on Sunday in a grand ceremony at the Vatican. The Chicago-born prelate, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, made his first public appearance in the popemobile, warmly greeting tens of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square.
The inauguration Mass began at 10:00 am local time (0800 GMT), with global dignitaries in attendance, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Vance, a recent Catholic convert, was also the last world leader to meet Pope Francis before his passing on April 21.
At 69, Leo XIV is a relative unknown to many Catholics. A former missionary in Peru, he has quickly made an impression with his calls for peace and social justice, while upholding traditional Catholic teachings, including the sanctity of life and the family unit.
“I got up early to see him,” said 71-year-old Inacia Lisboa, a Rome resident originally from Cape Verde. “He’s already in my heart. I hope he prays for peace.”
The Vatican confirmed the presence of other key world figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Italian authorities deployed heightened security, including rooftop snipers and anti-drone units, to ensure the safety of the ceremony.
Time-Honored Traditions
Elected on May 8 after a swift conclave, Leo XIV becomes the 267th pope, succeeding the popular but often unpredictable Pope Francis. Sunday’s ceremony honored long-standing rituals, though the traditional papal coronation has not occurred since 1963.
Leo began the day at the tomb of Saint Peter beneath the basilica’s altar before receiving the pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring — symbols of papal authority. The newly forged ring will be destroyed upon his death.
As the ceremony concluded, Leo XIV greeted world leaders in attendance, though it remains unclear if he held private meetings with any.
