On a momentous Sunday, leaders from across the globe once again gathered in Rome, marking the second significant event in less than a month. The occasion was the spectacular installation ceremony of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Catholic Church. Leo, who ascended to the papacy following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, is already making headlines by offering the Vatican as a neutral ground for potential peace talks regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He encouraged both parties to come together, stating, “Let us meet, let us talk, let us negotiate.”
Even before officially taking his papal seat, the atmosphere in Rome was charged with diplomatic activity. The installation ceremony held in St. Peter’s Square provided an excellent backdrop for informal discussions and handshakes among world leaders. Notably, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared a moment at the ceremony, contrasting sharply with their earlier public disagreement at the White House in February. Zelenskyy was also granted an audience with Pope Leo XIV, marking him as the first leader to engage with the new pope since his election.
Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to peace may soon be put to the test as he is expected to meet Vice President Vance on the sidelines of the ceremony. Prior to his election, Leo had been vocal on social media, criticizing the mass deportation policies of the Trump administration, which contributed to his contentious relationship with Vance.
During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance in the iconic popemobile, greeting an estimated crowd of over a hundred thousand individuals, including Catholics, tourists, royals, diplomats, and various delegations. High-profile attendees included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside Canadian and Italian leaders such as Mark Carney and Giorgia Meloni.
While the ceremony was attended by many dignitaries, a significant absence was that of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose previous meeting with Zelenskyy inside St. Peter’s Basilica had overshadowed Pope Francis’ funeral just weeks earlier. The atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square was vibrant, filled with pilgrims chanting “Viva il Papa” (Long Live the Pope) and waving flags from the U.S. and Peru, honoring the first pope from the United States.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was chosen by cardinals in a secretive conclave lasting less than 24 hours, has made history as the first American pope. His papacy comes at a time when U.S. leadership faces significant challenges, particularly as the Trump administration seeks to diminish Washington's role in international organizations.
In his inaugural week, Pope Leo XIV has indicated that establishing peace will be a cornerstone of his papacy. He emphasized, “It is the peacemakers that make history.” During his first public address in St. Peter’s Square, he declared, “Peace be with you all,” and offered the Vatican as a mediator in global conflicts, asserting that war is “never inevitable.”
Arriving an hour early, Pope Leo XIV took the time to tour the piazza in his open-topped popemobile, flanked by twelve security guards while helicopters hovered overhead. He warmly greeted the crowds, lifting babies into the air for blessings. In his homily, the new pope laid out his vision for a reconciled world, urging an end to discord, hatred, violence, and prejudice. He called on Christians and people of all faiths to unite in building a new world where peace prevails.
As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Pope Leo XIV received pledges of loyalty from the cardinals, who kissed his hand. He was presented with two significant items: a pallium, a liturgical vestment symbolizing his role as a shepherd, and a fisherman’s ring, adorned with an image of St. Peter holding the keys to heaven. These symbols mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV's leadership.
