Hundreds of thousands gather as Pope Leo XIV is inaugurated
Thomas Edwards• May 18, 2025
Pope Leo XIV has formally begun his pontificate with an inaugural Mass in St Peter’s Square, drawing an estimated 250,000 pilgrims to witness the inauguration of the first American Pope. The crowd size was broadly similar to that which gathered for Pope Francis more than a decade ago.
The newly elected Pontiff entered the square for the first time in his open-top popemobile and was presented with the customary pallium and Fisherman’s Ring, symbols of the Petrine office.
The ceremony was attended by a number of world leaders and royal representatives. US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were both present and were seen shaking hands before the liturgy began, marking their first in-person meeting since their infamous clash in the Oval Office in February.
Vance, who was seated prominently among the diplomatic corps, led the official American delegation. President Joe Biden did not attend, though the White House said he had sent a private message of congratulations. Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, represented King Charles III.
Also present were dignitaries from Italy, France, Spain and several Latin American nations, alongside members of the College of Cardinals and the Roman Curia. Representatives of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Communion and various ecumenical groups were also in attendance.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV addressed what he called “the temptation of religious propaganda”, warning against its use to manipulate or divide. He focused instead on love, self-sacrifice and truth, describing these as the pillars upon which the Church must now rebuild trust. He did not directly mention any political conflicts but made repeated reference to the Church’s mission to stand with the poor, displaced and forgotten.
In a similar vein to Pope Francis, he also criticised the current global order that “exploits the earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest”. He signalled that his style of governance would not be authoritarian, implying that he would continue Francis’s call for a “synodal Church”. He said he would seek to govern “without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat”.
Security around the Vatican was on high alert, with thousands of additional police deployed and Italian authorities working closely with the Vatican Gendarmerie and Interpol. A bomb squad, anti-drone equipment and snipers were also present.
The Mass was primarily celebrated in Latin, with Scripture readings offered in various languages. Music was provided by the Sistine Chapel Choir.
The Vatican Press Office confirmed that the Pope will begin formal meetings with heads of state and religious leaders on Monday. His first general audience is scheduled for Wednesday.
No details have yet been released about his upcoming travels, though speculation has already begun that a visit to the Middle East may be on the horizon. Leo has also indicated that he will visit Turkey later this year, in honour of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Cardinal Parolin remains Secretary of State, though it is expected that at some point Pope Leo will choose another cardinal to assume the role.
(Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)