Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, will be formally inaugurated as the 267th pontiff on Sunday, May 18, during a significant Mass in St. Peter’s Square. This momentous event will be attended by world leaders, royalty, and thousands of devoted believers, marking a historic occasion for the Catholic Church.
The inauguration service on May 18 will be steeped in rich symbolism. During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV will officially receive the symbols of his office, which include the pallium—a lamb’s wool vestment that signifies his pastoral care for the church—and the fisherman’s ring, representing his authority as the successor of St. Peter, who is regarded as the first pope by Catholics.
The ceremony is expected to last two hours and will host notable figures such as US Vice-President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the President of Peru, Dina Boluarte. The Vatican anticipates representatives from over 150 nations, showcasing the global significance of this inauguration.
Pope Leo XIV, who is 69 years old and hails from Chicago, is anticipated to greet delegations from various countries following the inauguration. Although he was elected pope on May 8, the official commencement of his papacy is marked by this ceremony on May 18, with his first general audience scheduled for May 21. In his inaugural Mass on May 9, he urged the clergy to embody humility and emphasized his ongoing appeals for peace in the world.
In a powerful message during his first Vatican address, Pope Leo XIV called for an end to violence in Ukraine and Gaza, proclaiming, “Never again war!” This fervent commitment to peace reflects his vision for his papacy and resonates with his active engagement in global issues.
On the morning of the inauguration, Pope Leo XIV will utilize the popemobile for the first time, greeting the crowd in St. Peter’s Square before proceeding inside the basilica for the Mass. He will share this moment with leaders of Eastern Orthodox churches, as he begins by praying at the tomb of St. Peter.
During the Mass, the pallium, the fisherman’s ring, and a book of the gospels will be presented to him by two clergy members at the altar in the square. The scripture readings will focus on St. Peter and a key passage from John’s Gospel, underscoring the foundational role of St. Peter in the Pope’s ministry. Following the readings, three cardinals will formally present the symbols of office to Pope Leo XIV.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who announced Leo's election, will place the pallium over the new pontiff. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of the Congo will offer a special prayer, while Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines will present the ceremonial fisherman’s ring, which features an image of St. Peter and is engraved with “Leo XIV” alongside the pope’s coat of arms.
After receiving the symbols of office, representatives from ordinary Catholics worldwide will express their “obedience” to the pope—a change from tradition where this was previously done by cardinals. This decision highlights Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to fostering a church that encourages deeper involvement from lay Catholics and reflects his intent to continue the reforms initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
During the Mass, Pope Leo XIV will deliver a homily, likely outlining the key themes of his papacy, which he has surely contemplated with care. After the Mass concludes, he will lead the Regina Caeli prayer before meeting with international delegations inside the basilica.
Papal inauguration ceremonies have evolved significantly over the years. For centuries, they included a coronation ceremony, where a papal tiara was placed upon the new pope's head. The last such coronation occurred in 1963 with Pope Paul VI, who later chose to sell the tiara, donating the proceeds to charity. Today, the tiara is displayed at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., purchased by American Catholics.
The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter in the Catholic Church, one that is poised to embrace inclusivity, peace, and the global community while honoring the rich traditions of the papacy.
