Skip next section What happens at an Inauguration Mass?
05/18/2025May 18, 2025
What happens at an Inauguration Mass?
Sunday’s Mass to inaugurate the new pope will include prayers, music, readings from the New Testament, a homily and Communion, all in the usual order.
However, a significant moment will occur just before the homily when cardinals will give Leo the pallium — a stole-like vestment of wool symbolizing the pope’s role as shepherd of the faithful — and the fisherman’s ring, showing St. Peter casting a net in reference to a passage in the Gospels.
In the passage, Jesus is said to have referred to wanting to make his apostle Peter a “fisher of men.”
After the pope receives these two insignia, a delegation representing different roles in the church, which includes a married couple, will greet Leo XIV in the “rite of obedience.”
This symbolizes the church turning to the new pope for guidance.
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Skip next section Pope Leo prays at tomb of St. Peter before Mass begins
05/18/2025May 18, 2025
Pope Leo prays at tomb of St. Peter before Mass begins
Pope Leo XIV has prayed before the tomb of St. Peter, considered to be the first pontiff, in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The prayer is one of the major rites before the inauguration Mass, which has got underway.
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Skip next section Pope Leo rides popemobile for the first time05/18/2025May 18, 2025
Pope Leo rides popemobile for the first time
Pope Leo XIV has taken his first public ride in his popemobile, making a tour of St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican while smiling and waving to the crowds that have gatherered for his inauguration Mass.
Many in the crowd waved flags and called out “Viva il Papa!” as Leo, 69, passed by standing in the white open-back truck.
The vehicle, protected by several security guards who jogged alongside, mostly moved quickly, but made two brief stops to allow Leo to bless three babies.
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Skip next section World leaders, royalty at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass
05/18/2025May 18, 2025
World leaders, royalty at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass
A host of international leaders are expected to be present at the at the Vatican on Sunday, the Holy See said on Saturday.
Representatives from Italy, Peru, and the United States will have front-row seats in the VIP gallery, since Pope Leo XIV has dual citizenship of the US and Peru.
The US delegation will be led by Vice President , accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte will also be in attendance, while Italy will be represented by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
is also among more than 150 international delegations registered to attend, along with .
Other world leaders expected at the Mass in St. Peter’s Square include Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Argentina’s Javier Milei, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro.
Among the European royalty in attendance will be Spanish King Felipe and Queen Letizia.
The event is expected to include several bilateral meetings between visiting dignitaries.
Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said efforts are underway to arrange a private audience
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Skip next section Pope Leo XIV to be inaugurated at Vatican Mass
05/18/2025May 18, 2025
Pope Leo XIV to be inaugurated at Vatican Mass
will officially begin his papacy on Sunday with a ceremonial Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend, including world leaders.
The Mass, which begins at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT), will follow Pope Leo XIV’s first public ride in the popemobile at 9:00 a.m.
During the Mass, Pope Leo will receive the two symbols of the papacy: the lambswool stole, known as a pallium, and the fisherman’s ring.
The 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, is the first pope from the United States, elected on May 8 after a brief conclave.
He succeeds , who died on April 21 .
In recent remarks, Pope Leo XIV has called for
There is tight security in place across Rome for the event, including rooftop snipers and anti-drone units.
https://p.dw.com/p/4uX27
Skip next section Welcome to our coverage05/18/2025May 18, 2025
Welcome to our coverage
will officially assume his role as leader of the Catholic Church on Sunday during a ceremonial Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
Tens of thousands of well-wishers, world leaders and members of European royalty are expected to be in attendance.
DW will bring you the latest news, analysis and insights from our reporters and correspondents regarding the inauguration of the new pope. Stay tuned for more.
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The post Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass begins at the Vatican appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
