Pope Leo XIV toured St Peter’s Square in the popemobile on Sunday, waving to tens of thousands of pilgrims and dignitaries ahead of his formal installation as head of the Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first American pope following his election on 8 May. Flags from the United States, Peru and the Vatican filled the square as crowds chanted “Viva il Papa” while the new pontiff stood and blessed the faithful from the white, open-top Mercedes G-Wagon.
Among the attendees for the inauguration Mass were US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the UK’s Prince Edward. Vance, a Catholic convert, had previously clashed with Pope Francis over US immigration policy.
The popemobile procession — now a hallmark of modern papacies — made its way up and down Via della Conciliazione before Pope Leo entered St Peter’s Basilica to begin the solemn rites marking the start of his ministry.
Inside, he prayed at the tomb of St Peter, considered the first pope, before emerging to preside over a Mass in the square. During the ceremony, he is to receive the papal ring and deliver a homily expected to outline the vision for his papacy.
Security remains high in the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis last month, with bomb squads, rooftop snipers and volunteers stationed throughout the area.
Leo’s dual US-Peruvian citizenship meant both countries were granted front-row seats under strict diplomatic protocol. His inauguration marks not only a shift in geographical leadership but a new era for a Church facing war in Europe, growing secularism and internal reform.
