Pope Leo XIV has greeted large crowds in St. Peter’s Square before presiding over his inaugural Mass this morning.
World leaders, top church officials, and Prince Edward are in attendance for the service that officially installs him as the leader of 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
The service, which begins on Sunday at 9 am BST, will see US Vice President JD Vance, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia among the 200 delegates who have travelled to attend the Mass.
The first US pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church was elected in the 2025 papal conclave as the successor to Pope Francis after less than 26 hours.
Pope Leo XIV has greeted large crowds in St. Peter’s Square before presiding over his inaugural Mass this morning
Reuters
Leo, who is the 267th Pope,first appeared to the crowds aboard a popemobile in St Peter’s Square and spent some time greeting the crowd.
The pontiff entered the St Peter’s Basilica, alongside a procession of cardinals, where he received a gold signet fisherman’s ring and a lamb’s wool pallium, two gifts that symbolise the papacy.
The Royal Family have sent Prince Edward to represent the UK for the occasion.
JD Vance, who briefly met Pope Francis in the Vatican the day before he died, and the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, will represent the US.
The first US pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church was elected in the 2025 papal conclave as the successor to Pope Francis after less than 26 hours
Reuters
Extra security, including 6,000 extra police officers and thousands of volunteers are working for the milestone occasion.
Leo was seen lifting a baby shortly after arriving at the Vatican.
Extra security, including 6,000 extra police officers and thousands of volunteers, are working for the milestone occasion
Reuters
