Tens of thousands came to St. Peter’s Square to mark the official start of the pontificate of the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Vice President JD Vance was among the dignitaries who attended.

Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square is an ancient ritual filled with symbolism that connects back to Peter, Jesus’ apostle, and his special mission as head of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV presided over his inaugural Mass in front of St Peter’s Basilica, marking the formal start of his papacy. In his homily, Leo urged rejection of hatred and division, and disavowed "an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest.