Pope Leo XIV blesses the devoted throughout his inaugural Mass in Saint Peter’s Sq., on the Vatican, Might 18, 2025.
REUTERS/REMO CASILLI TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
In a historic ceremony on Might 18, Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated because the 267th chief of the Roman Catholic Church, turning into the primary American-born pontiff. The Mass, held in St. Peter’s Sq., drew over 200,000 attendees, together with international dignitaries and non secular leaders.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan is the Archbishop of New York and one of the outstanding figures within the Roman Catholic Church in the USA. He attended the inauguration and expressed profound pleasure: “It’s an excellent second of exhilaration, hope, and promise for the Church!”
He added, “Now we have a pope, and I’m so honored as a priest and disciple of Jesus Christ to have been part of it. I believe you’re all excited, too. It’s an excellent second of exhilaration, honor, hope, and promise for the Church, and I simply hope you sense that.”
Pope Leo XIV, previously Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, emphasised themes of unity, compassion, and international solidarity in his inaugural deal with. He known as upon the Church to “stroll collectively alongside the trail of God’s love and stay united in a single household.” Vatican Information
The inauguration featured conventional rituals, together with the bestowal of the Ring of the Fisherman and the pallium, symbolizing the pope’s function because the shepherd of the Church.
Pope Leo XIV additionally made his first journey within the popemobile, greeting the devoted and blessing youngsters alongside the route.
Notable attendees included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen, and varied royal figures corresponding to King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain. Their presence underscored the worldwide significance of the occasion and the widespread hope for a papacy that fosters peace and understanding amongst nations.
Pope Leo XIV’s election and inauguration signify a brand new chapter for the Catholic Church, one which aspires to bridge divides and promote a message of affection and unity worldwide.
