Pope Leo XIV made a touching debut at his inaugural mass in St. Peter’s Square on May 18. The 69-year-old American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now the head of the Catholic Church, waved to crowds from the popemobile. In a heartwarming moment, he blessed two babies handed to him by his security team.
The mass drew global attention, with leaders like European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance in attendance. Pope Leo will now reside in the Apostolic Palace overlooking the square.
Born near Chicago, Pope Leo is the first American pope. He served in Peru for decades and became a citizen there, holding several church roles including bishop and cardinal. He is fluent in Spanish and Italian and was a close ally of Pope Francis.
The inauguration ceremony includes a prayer at St. Peter’s tomb, followed by receiving the pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring—symbols of his papal authority—before beginning the celebration mass.
