Pope Leo XIV Celebrates The Inaugural Mass At The Vatican

• 18.05.2025, 12:37

World leaders arrived in St. Peter's Square.

The Vatican is hosting the inaugural Mass of the new Pope Leo XIV.

It is reported by The Guardian.

Pope Leo's First Mass

The Vatican is hosting the inaugural Mass of the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday, May 18.

The ceremony began at 10:00 a.m. local time (11:00 a.m. Minsk time) and is the official start of the papacy of the first-ever American at the head of the Roman Catholic Church - 69-year-old Robert Prevost, a Chicago native.

He was elected pontiff in early May after a quick conclave that lasted less than 26 hours.

About 250,000 pilgrims and more than a dozen world leaders gathered in St. Peter's Square, including Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Britain's Prince Edward.

In addition to the Ukrainian and American leaders, the presidents of Israel and Argentina - Itzhak Herzog and Javier Milay - as well as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived at the Vatican.

Symbols of the Pope's pontificate

Traditionally, during the inauguration ceremony, the Pope receives two major symbols of his ministry. The first is a gold fisherman's ring. It is named after St. Peter, the first apostle and fisherman, who is considered the first Pope.

The ring symbolizes the authority of the pontiff and is used to seal official documents. After the death of the Pope, the ring is destroyed.

The second symbol is a staff of sheep's wool, which is placed on the shoulders of the pontiff. The staff represents the Pope's role as shepherd of the universal church, leading his flock.

These symbols emphasize the spiritual and administrative leadership that the Pope exercises in the Catholic Church.

Closing Rites and Rite of Obedience

In the closing rites, the Pope gives the fourfold blessing of the Gospel, accompanied by the singing of the choir and the faithful present. The Rite of Obedience involves honoring the new Pope by representatives of the Catholic Church.

These include the three leading cardinals of each rank of bishop, presbyter and deacon, as well as one bishop, priest and deacon each.

In addition, two general abbots (a man and a woman), a married couple, and one confirmed boy and girl from each continent participate.