Pope Leo Cradles Baby & Greets Crowds in St. Peters Square During Pontiffs Inaugural Mass With Global Leaders in Attendance

Published: Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 8:37 am

Pope Leo XIV Inaugurated in St. Peter's Square, Welcomes World Leaders

Rome, Italy – Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Father Bob, was inaugurated today in a historic ceremony at St. Peter's Square, marking the beginning of his papacy. The event drew a global audience, with world leaders and dignitaries in attendance, including US Vice President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The inauguration began with Pope Leo XIV greeting massive crowds from an open vehicle, waving flags of the Holy See, Peru, and the United States, reflecting his dual citizenship. The atmosphere was jubilant, with cheers of "Viva il Papa" echoing through the square. Security was heightened, with civil protection crews guiding pilgrims.

The ceremony itself included significant symbolic rites. Pope Leo XIV received the pallium, a lambswool stole representing his role as shepherd, and the fisherman's ring, symbolizing his authority. The Mass also featured a rite of obedience, with representatives from various Church groups vowing their allegiance.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago in 1955, is the first American-born pope. He rose through the ranks of the Church, serving as apostolic administrator in Peru and later as head of the office vetting bishop nominations under Pope Francis. His election came as a surprise to many, given his relatively recent elevation to the rank of cardinal. The last pope to take the name Leo was Leo XIII, who led the Church from 1878 to 1903.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, inauguration, St. Peter's Square, Vatican, world leaders, JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Dina Boluarte, Volodymyr Zelensky, Robert Prevost, Catholic Church, papal inauguration, pallium, fisherman's ring, Chicago, Peru, United States, Pope Francis, Easter Sunday, Sistine Chapel, Eucharistic Celebration, Petrine ministry, Bishop of Rome

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