Pope Leo XIV has greeted large crowds in St Peter’s Square before presiding over his inaugural Mass this morning.
World leaders, top church officials, and Prince Edward were in attendance for the service that officially installs him as the leader of 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
The service, which began at 9am, saw US Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian premier Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sit among the 200 delegates who had travelled to attend the Mass.
The first US pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church was elected in the 2025 papal conclave as the successor to Pope Francis after less than 26 hours.
Pope Leo XIV has greeted large crowds in St. Peter’s Square before presiding over his inaugural Mass this morning
Reuters
Leo, who is the 267th Pope, first appeared to the crowds aboard a popemobile in St Peter's Square and spent some time greeting the crowd.
The pontiff entered the St Peter’s Basilica, alongside a procession of cardinals, where he received a gold signet fisherman’s ring and a lamb’s wool pallium, two gifts that symbolise the papacy.
The Fisherman's ring is a tradition dating back to the first Pope, Saint Peter, who was a fisherman.
Meanwhile, the pallium represents the religious leader's role as a shepherd.
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The first US pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church was elected in the 2025 papal conclave as the successor to Pope Francis after less than 26 hours
Reuters
The Royal Family sent Prince Edward to represent the UK for the occasion.
Vance, who briefly met Pope Francis in the Vatican the day before he died, was accompanied by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
Extra security, including 6,000 extra police officers and thousands of volunteers are working for the milestone occasion.
Leo was seen lifting a baby shortly after arriving at the Vatican.
Extra security, including 6,000 extra police officers and thousands of volunteers, are working for the milestone occasion
Reuters
It is estimated that 25,000 people are in attendance.
Leo began his mass, addressing the crowd in Latin, he said: "Brothers and sisters, on this day made by the Lord, we renew the memory of our baptism through the sign of this water."
The pontiff called for unity within the church, and said it is “with fear and trembling” that he approaches the church’s followers “as a brother”.
Leo also blessed those attending with holy water.
