First US Pope Leo XIV Takes To Popemobile Ahead Of Inaugural Mass

Published: Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 7:42 am

First US Pope Leo XIV Begins Papacy with Inaugural Mass

Rome, Italy - The Catholic world welcomed its first US-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday as he embarked on his papacy with an inaugural mass in St. Peter's Square. The Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, 69, greeted tens of thousands of pilgrims and well-wishers from the popemobile, a symbol of the papacy.

The inauguration mass, commencing at 10:00 am (0800 GMT), is a ceremony rich in tradition. Pope Leo XIV will receive his papal ring, a symbol of his authority, and deliver a homily, setting the tone for his leadership. The event marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion followers worldwide.

The new Pope's background includes two decades as a missionary in Peru. In pre-papal meetings, he has emphasized peace, social justice, and traditional Catholic values, including the importance of family and the rights of the unborn.

The event has drawn significant international attention, with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio among the dignitaries in attendance. Other notable guests include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and leaders from Peru, the European Commission, Canada, and Israel. Security is tight, with thousands of officers deployed.

Pope Leo XIV's election on May 8 followed a secret conclave. He succeeds the late Pope Francis and takes the helm of a Church grappling with the fallout of the clerical child abuse scandal and the challenges of the modern world.

BNN's Perspective: The election of the first US Pope is a historic moment, and the early indications suggest a pontiff who will strive to balance traditional values with the need for peace and social justice. While his past criticisms of political figures may raise eyebrows, his focus on unity and faith will be crucial in navigating the complex issues facing the Church today.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, Inauguration Mass, St. Peter's Square, US Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, Catholic Church, JD Vance, Vatican, Pope Francis, Peace, Social Justice, Traditional Values, Papal Ring, Homily, Clerical Abuse Scandal, World Leaders, Rome, Italy

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