Historic Mass at the Vatican: Pope Leo XIV Inaugurates His Papacy Amid Global Attendance

ALDAR/

In a scene blending spirituality with global attention, Pope Leo XIV presided over the inaugural Mass of his papacy on the morning of Sunday, May 18, 2025, from St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The ceremony was held under unprecedented security measures and drew tens of thousands of believers, as well as high-profile figures from around the world.

The Mass, which began at 10 a.m. Rome time, marked the official start of the papacy of the first American Pope in the nearly two-thousand-year history of the Catholic Church. The strong American presence was especially notable, led by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—both known for their Catholic faith.

Before the Mass began, the 69-year-old Pope, who spent over two decades living in Peru, toured the square in the Popemobile, greeting the crowds who had gathered from all corners of the globe to witness this historic moment.

During the ceremony, the Pope received the two traditional symbols of the papal office: the pallium, a woolen band draped over his shoulders symbolizing the shepherding of the faithful, and the Fisherman’s Ring, bestowed upon every pope at the beginning of their pontificate and destroyed upon their death as a sign of the end of their spiritual authority.

The event attracted significant international attention—not only for its religious importance, but also because it marks a turning point in Church history, as a man from Chicago assumes the highest Catholic office. Despite the enthusiasm in the United States over his election, the new Pope is known for his firm opposition to the policies of former President Donald Trump, particularly on immigration issues.

On the security front, Italian authorities implemented stringent measures, including the deployment of snipers, activation of underwater diver units, and preemptive operations to monitor drone activity—measures aimed at preventing any potential threats during this global event.

With this Mass, Pope Leo XIV opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, amid widespread hopes for spiritual and humanitarian renewal that reflects his diverse cultural background and long-standing service to marginalized communities.