In a historic ceremony on May 18, Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American-born pontiff. The Mass, held in St. Peter’s Square, drew over 200,000 attendees, including global dignitaries and religious leaders.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan is the Archbishop of New York and one of the most prominent figures in the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. He attended the inauguration and expressed profound joy: “It’s a great moment of exhilaration, hope, and promise for the Church!”
He added, “We have a pope, and I’m so honored as a priest and disciple of Jesus Christ to have been a part of it. I think you’re all excited, too. It’s a great moment of exhilaration, honor, hope, and promise for the Church, and I just hope you sense that.”
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, emphasized themes of unity, compassion, and global solidarity in his inaugural address. He called upon the Church to “walk together along the path of God’s love and remain united in one family.” Vatican News
The inauguration featured traditional rituals, including the bestowal of the Ring of the Fisherman and the pallium, symbolizing the pope’s role as the shepherd of the Church.
Pope Leo XIV also made his first journey in the popemobile, greeting the faithful and blessing children along the route.
Notable attendees included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and various royal figures such as King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain. Their presence underscored the global significance of the event and the widespread hope for a papacy that fosters peace and understanding among nations.
Pope Leo XIV’s election and inauguration signify a new chapter for the Catholic Church, one that aspires to bridge divides and promote a message of love and unity worldwide.
