VATICAN CITY — With cheers echoing across St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance as head of the Catholic Church on Sunday, blessing thousands of pilgrims gathered to witness the formal start of his papacy.
Riding through the vast cobbled piazza in the popemobile, the new pontiff born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago waved and made the sign of the cross as pilgrims jostled for a glimpse. At 69, he becomes the first American to lead the Church’s 1.4 billion followers.
The inauguration mass, which began shortly after 10 a.m. local time, was steeped in tradition. Though the papal crown is no longer part of the ritual, Leo XIV received two key symbols of office: the pallium a white wool stole representing his pastoral authority — and the Fisherman’s Ring, forged anew for each pope and destroyed upon his death.
Before the ceremony, Leo descended to the tomb of Saint Peter beneath the basilica’s altar, a quiet nod to the apostle whose name and legacy the Vatican carries forward.
Among the global dignitaries seated in front of the basilica were U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both Catholic. Their presence underscored the enthusiasm in the United States over Leo’s election on 8 May, following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April.
Speaking to the faithful during his homily, Leo offered a message shaped by weeks of quiet diplomacy and press meetings. He called for “peace in a world torn by conflict” and reiterated the Church’s commitment to “protecting the dignity of life, the sanctity of the family, and care for the poor.”
A Man with a Missionary’s Heart
Though little-known to many Catholics before his election, Leo XIV’s roots lie far from the grandeur of the Vatican. A former missionary who spent two decades in rural Peru, he earned a reputation as a calm listener and capable administrator.
“He is humble, but strong in faith,” said , a71 year old pilgrim from Cape Verde who now lives in Rome. “He’s already entered my heart. What I want is for him to pray for peace we all need it.”
Since his election, Leo has spoken often of justice and reconciliation, echoing themes familiar to followers of his predecessor. But he has also leaned into more traditional Catholic teachings, stating plainly the Church’s view that marriage is between a man and a woman, and reaffirming opposition to abortion.
A Global Moment
Sunday’s ceremony was not just a moment of faith, but also geopolitics. Alongside the American delegation were leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the presidents of Peru, Colombia and Israel.
Security across the Vatican and surrounding streets was tight. Italian police deployed thousands of officers, anti-drone units, and rooftop snipers. The Vatican did not confirm whether any visiting heads of state would be granted private meetings with the pope.
Though he now stands at the heart of Catholic power, Leo inherits an institution still reckoning with deep wounds particularly the global clerical abuse crisis and internal divisions over how the Church should adapt in a changing world.
Still, on a warm spring morning in Rome, the mood was one of hope.
As the sun caught the spires of St Peter’s Basilica and the choir’s hymns carried across the square, Pope Leo XIV lifted his eyes to the crowd, offering a final blessing.
“May this new beginning be a path of peace, not only for the Church, but for all humanity,” he said.
