VATICAN CITY (AP) — In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, was inaugurated on Sunday, delivering a powerful message of unity and peace. Addressing an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, heads of state, and religious leaders in St. Peter’s Square, Leo emphasized the importance of the Church as a symbol of global harmony.
The inauguration began with a traditional popemobile tour through St. Peter's Square, a ritual that has come to symbolize the extensive reach and media appeal of the papacy. At 69 years old, the Augustinian missionary smiled and waved to the crowd, stopping to bless children along the way. During the inaugural Mass, Leo displayed a deep emotional connection to his new role as he received the lambswool stole and the fisherman's ring, potent symbols of the papacy, which visibly weighed on him as he embraced the responsibility of leading the 1.4-billion strong Catholic Church.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV expressed his desire to serve the faithful through the dual principles of love and unity. He articulated a vision of a united Church that stands as a beacon of hope in a world fraught with discord. “Our first great desire should be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world,” he stated. His remarks resonated strongly, especially given the current polarization within the Catholic Church, particularly in the United States.
Leo’s election on May 8 followed a swift 24-hour conclave and has seemingly pleased conservative Catholics, who appreciate his traditional style and emphasis on core Catholic doctrines. This shift marks a departure from the previous pontificate of Pope Francis, whose focus on the marginalized and criticism of capitalist systems had created divisions among the faithful.
During his first official reception, Leo donned the formal red cape known as the mozzetta, a return to traditional papal attire that has elicited praise from conservative factions within the Church. In contrast, Pope Francis had favored a simpler style, often forgoing such formalities. Leo's choice to embrace the traditional garb was met with cheers from the crowd as he emerged wearing the red cape.
Security and protocol were tightly observed during the inaugural Mass, with both the United States and Peru receiving front-row seats. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, was present alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the significance of U.S. representation at this historic event. The Mass also attracted numerous heads of state, including Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reflecting the global interest in Leo's papacy.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his commitment to promoting dialogue and fostering peace, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He offered prayers for the people of Gaza, expressing concern for families and children affected by the humanitarian crisis. Notably, Leo refrained from mentioning hostages taken by Hamas, a departure from the usual practice of his predecessor.
Reactions from Americans present at the event were overwhelmingly positive. Susan Hanssen, a professor from Chicago, remarked on the resonating themes of unity in Leo’s homily. U.S. seminarian Ethan Menning expressed his excitement, stating that seeing a pope from America made the experience feel more accessible and meaningful.
The symbols of the papacy, including the pallium and the fisherman’s ring, were significant highlights of the ceremony. The pallium, draped over Leo's shoulders, symbolizes his role as a shepherd of the faithful, while the fisherman’s ring serves as his official seal, harking back to the apostolic lineage of Peter.
For many attendees, witnessing the pope was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Gregory and Susan Hudak, who unexpectedly found themselves in Rome, described the moment as a treasure beyond their expectations. Gary Hudak, a former altar boy, even compared the sighting of Pope Leo XIV to watching basketball legend Michael Jordan play, underscoring the cultural significance of this historic event.
Pope Leo XIV's inauguration marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, as he embarks on a journey to foster unity and peace in a world that desperately needs it. His commitment to serving as a symbol of love and reconciliation resonates deeply within the Church and beyond, promising a future of hope and harmony.
