In a historic moment, Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever US-born pontiff, made his inaugural appearance in St. Peter’s Square, riding in a popemobile and greeting tens of thousands of enthusiastic pilgrims and well-wishers.
Chicago-native Robert Francis Prevost, now the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, beamed with joy as he stood in the white vehicle, waving and making the sign of the cross to the cheering crowds.
This momentous occasion precedes his inauguration mass, set to begin at 10:00 am local time (0800 GMT), where hundreds of dignitaries, including US Vice President JD Vance, will gather.
Notably, Vance converted to Catholicism in 2019 and will join other prominent attendees, such as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV will receive his special papal ring and deliver a homily that will outline the tone for his papacy. Before the mass, the Pope will visit the tomb of Saint Peter, located beneath the altar of the basilica bearing his name. He will then participate in a procession into St. Peter’s Square, where large screens will broadcast the proceedings to the massive crowd.
As the 267th pope, Leo XIV takes the helm of a Church still grappling with the aftermath of the clerical child abuse scandal and navigating its place in the modern world.
In recent meetings with journalists, clergy, and diplomats, the Pope has emphasized traditional Catholic values, advocated for peace in conflict-ridden regions, and defended social justice ¹.
