Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, made history in Vatican City on Sunday as he officially launched his papacy before a sea of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

During a ceremonial Mass attended by global dignitaries, heads of state, and pilgrims from around the world, the 69-year-old pope called for unity, compassion, and a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation within the global Church, the New York Post reported.

Pope Leo, born in Chicago and formerly an Augustinian missionary, rode in by popemobile and greeted a cheering crowd under clear Roman skies. Tens of thousands gathered for the ceremony, nearly a month after Pope Francis’s death ended his 12-year papacy.

The pontiff’s formal inauguration took place on May 18, 2025, and began with the reception of two key symbols of papal authority: the pallium and the fisherman’s ring. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti presented the pallium, symbolizing the pope’s role as shepherd to the Catholic faithful, while Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle placed the fisherman’s ring, a reminder of Saint Peter’s calling, on the new pope’s finger.

Leo’s Emotional Homage to Unity and Peace

During the moment of receiving the ceremonial items, Pope Leo appeared deeply moved, clasping his hands in prayer as the weight of his new role set in. His solemnity reflected the tone of his homily, in which he urged the Church to act as a force of communion and healing in an increasingly fractured world.

“I would like our first great desire to be for a united church,” he told the crowd. “A sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world.”

The pope’s message addressed contemporary global strife and called on Catholics to reject ideologies rooted in conflict, marginalization, and environmental exploitation. “We still see too much discord,” he said, citing challenges such as hatred, violence, discrimination, and economic systems that harm the Earth and the poor.

Historic Event Draws Global Attention and Prayer

The Mass drew leaders from around the globe, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation and visited Pope Francis’ tomb the night prior. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present, using the occasion as a chance to advance diplomatic discussions around the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Among other attendees were President Dina Boluarte of Peru and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who arrived with First Lady Olena Zelenska. Russia was represented by Culture Minister Olga Liubimova, reflecting the Vatican’s continued appeal for dialogue despite existing tensions.

The event was notable not only for its religious significance but also for its international scope. Delegates from 36 Christian denominations attended, alongside representatives of multiple faiths including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and others.

A Display of Protocol and Papal Privilege

Rome authorities had prepared extensively for the event, deploying heavy security and equipping key sites with large screens and facilities for the overwhelming number of attendees. The seating arrangement followed careful diplomatic protocol, with Peru and the United States receiving preferential placement due to Pope Leo’s dual citizenship status.

Members of royal families such as Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Charlene of Monaco attended in white attire, following the rare “privilège du blanc,” which allows select Catholic royals to wear white in a papal presence instead of traditional black mourning garb.

The rite of obedience, a customary part of the papal inauguration, was adapted for this event. Instead of involving all cardinals, it featured select representatives from lay groups and various church roles, signaling a pastoral style inclusive of the wider Church community.

American Pilgrims Express Deep Emotional Connection

For many American Catholics in Vatican City, Leo’s ascension marked not just a milestone in Church history but a deeply personal moment. Seminarians and pilgrims traveled long distances to witness the historic Mass, some even arriving before sunrise.

“Rome always felt like home for a Catholic,” said Ethan Menning, a 21-year-old seminarian who attended the Mass, draped in an American flag bought in Iowa. “But now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter… it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible.”

Kalen Hill, another pilgrim from the United States, echoed that sentiment. “It is powerful for American Catholics who sometimes feel separated from the world church to be brought in and included in this community through Pope Leo,” Hill said.

Unplanned Encounters Add to an Unforgettable Day

Even tourists exploring Rome during the weekend found themselves caught up in the moment. Gregory and Susan Hudak from the Chicago area, in the city for a vacation, found themselves unexpectedly in the crowd.

“Originally, the only hope I had coming here was to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel,” said Gregory. Seeing the pope was not scheduled, it was a long-shot hope. And this was a treasure, simple as that.”

Before the start of the Mass, American flags waved high above the packed square, offering a visual expression of pride and prayer from the new pope’s homeland.

Leo’s Style Offers Contrast With Predecessor

Pope Leo’s election, held on May 8, followed a rapid 24-hour conclave. His disciplined background as an Augustinian missionary and emphasis on tradition have resonated particularly with conservative Catholics, offering a potential contrast to the reform-oriented style of Pope Francis.

The funeral of Pope Francis, which took place on April 26, had previously drawn an estimated 250,000 mourners, underscoring the deep affection and reach of his papacy. The transition to Pope Leo’s leadership now marks the beginning of a new direction shaped by his unique identity and message.

As global challenges mount and the Church seeks to navigate its role in an evolving world, Pope Leo XIV enters the papacy with a clear vision. His opening words in St. Peter’s Square – calling for a Church that is rooted in love, open to dialogue, and restless in the face of injustice – may well forecast the central themes of his leadership in the years to come.