On Sunday, May 18, the Vatican began the inauguration of the new Pope — Leo XIV. According to The Guardian, the solemn mass is taking place in St. Peter’s Square and has already drawn around 250,000 pilgrims from across the globe.
The new pontiff assumes the papal throne during one of the most challenging periods in the modern history of the Catholic Church, as it faces global issues including the migration crisis, the rise of secularism, and internal reforms within the Vatican.
The ceremony is being attended by dozens of heads of state, political leaders, and members of royal families. The inauguration began with a grand procession, during which Pope Leo XIV was met with enthusiastic applause from the faithful. After receiving the pallium and the Ring of the Fisherman — traditional symbols of papal authority — he delivered his first public homily as the head of the Catholic Church.
In his address, Leo XIV called for “the unity of humanity in the face of the world’s anxieties,” emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue, compassion, and peace, especially amid ongoing international conflicts.
The mass continues as unprecedented security measures are in place throughout the Vatican. Authorities have described the event as one of the most significant gatherings in recent years.
