Pope Leo XIV inaugurated as first American pope at Vatican

Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, celebrated his inauguration Mass at the Vatican on May 18, 2025. This event marked a historic moment as he became the first American pope in history.

The ceremony took place in St. Peter’s Square, where more than 150,000 people gathered to witness the occasion. Among those present were U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with his wife Olena Zelenska, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Before the Mass began, Pope Leo XIV venerated the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica using incense. He then exited the basilica to join the congregation outside and celebrate Mass on its steps.

During the Mass, Pope Leo XIV held a silver ferula commissioned by St. Paul VI in 1963 and used by previous popes. He also incensed an image of Our Lady of Good Counsel at the beginning of Mass.

In attendance were various cardinals including Cardinal Mario Zenari who placed the pallium over Pope Leo's shoulders—a symbol representing him as the Good Shepherd—and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle who presented him with the fisherman’s ring.

In his homily delivered in Italian, Pope Leo XIV called for “a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world.”

After concluding the Mass with Eucharistic prayers and raising the chalice during this sacred moment, Pope Leo XIV greeted dignitaries such as Italian President Sergio Matarella inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

The event concluded with personal moments shared between Pope Leo XIV and family members including an embrace with his older brother Louis Prevost.