Pope Leo XIV officially began his papacy on Sunday, May 18, with a solemn inaugural mass in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, urging global unity and a rejection of economic systems that harm both the planet and the poor.
In his homily, the newly elected pope denounced “an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest,” setting a socially conscious tone for his leadership.
The ceremony began at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) and included traditional papal rites such as the bestowal of the Fisherman’s Ring, the imposition of the pallium, and a tribute from the College of Cardinals.
High-profile attendees included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A total of 150 delegations, led by world leaders and royals, joined thousands of faithful in Vatican City to witness the historic event.
Concluding the mass, Pope Leo offered his first blessing as pontiff: “Benedicta vos omnipotent Deus” — “May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
