The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV as the new pontiff took place on May 18, 2025, at the Vatican, with the pope celebrating his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square before a total of about 150,000 pilgrims, including presidents, patriarchs, princes, and religious leaders from various faiths such as Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Zoroastrian, and Jain communities.
He took his first popemobile ride through St. Peter’s Square, waving and smiling to the crowd, a modern rite symbolizing the papacy’s global outreach.
During the Mass, he was vested with two key symbols of the papacy: the pallium, a woolen stole representing his role as shepherd of the Church, and the Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing his authority as successor to Saint Peter.
The Pope appeared emotionally moved when receiving these symbols, particularly the Fisherman’s Ring, which he examined closely before clasping his hands in prayer.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV called for unity within the Catholic Church, urging it to be “a force for peace and reconciliation in a world marked by discord, hatred, violence, prejudice, and environmental exploitation”.
He described himself humbly as a servant and brother to the faithful, emphasizing love and unity as the core of his ministry.
He expressed concern for global issues, notably praying for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
The inauguration was attended by a diverse international audience, including religious and world leaders, and was marked by traditional rituals blended with modern elements, reflecting continuity and renewal in the Church.
These moments underscored the historic significance of Pope Leo XIV’s installation as the 267th pontiff and the first American pope, setting a tone of hope, unity, and service for his papacy.
C- Advocate reports that among world leaders who attended the inauguration ceremony were Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu whose entourage included the leader of the Catholic Archbishop’s Conference in Nigeria, Lucius Ugorji, and Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto archdiocese, as well as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu.
Others were presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi and a former Governor of Ekiti state, Olukayode Fayemi.
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