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.
