Pope Leo XIV takes first popemobile ride, leads Mass before crowd at St. Peter’s Square

High Security Measures | Security was tight. Civil protection crews directed pilgrims into quadrants across the square and the boulevard leading to it. Italian authorities deployed thousands of officers, rooftop snipers, and anti-drone measures. Additional toilets were installed in nearby parks. The city prepared for up to 250,000 attendees, the same number that came for Pope Francis’ funeral. (Reuters Photo)

Tombside Prayers | After the popemobile tour, Pope Leo entered the basilica. He prayed at the tomb of St. Peter beneath the main altar. St. Peter is considered the first pope. Leo then processed back out into the square to begin the Mass. The tradition links each new pope with the apostolic foundation of the Church. (Reuters Photo)

US Representation | US Vice President JD Vance headed the American delegation. He had visited Francis’ tomb late Saturday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived early to pursue diplomacy, especially concerning the war in Ukraine. Vance and Leo had clashed previously over Trump-era immigration policy. Still, both men are Catholic converts and represented US interests at the event. (Reuters Photo)

Global Guest List | Peruvian President Dina Boluarte attended, reflecting Leo’s years as a missionary and his dual citizenship. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also came. Russia was represented by Culture Minister Olga Liubimova. Other notable guests included Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and leaders from Canada, Israel, Colombia, the EU, and the United Arab Emirates. (Reuters Photo)

Protocol and Dress | Strict diplomatic protocol determined seating. The US and Peru were given front-row spots. Dress codes were also observed. Most guests wore black. However, a few Catholic queens and princesses, like Charlene of Monaco and Letizia of Spain, wore white under a special privilege granted to Catholic royalty. (Reuters Photo)

Religious Delegations | Three dozen Christian churches sent leaders, including patriarchs, ministers, and metropolitans. The Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, with half of them being rabbis. Each group showed support and unity with the Catholic Church during the inauguration of its new leader. Religious diversity was visible in the square. (Reuters Photo)

American Pride | Young US seminarian Ethan Menning from Omaha wrapped himself in an American flag. He had bought it at an Iowa truck stop. He said seeing an American pope made the faith feel more accessible. “Rome always felt like home for a Catholic,” he said. “Now it feels even closer.” (Reuters Photo)

Pilgrims’ Reactions | Kalen Hill, another pilgrim from the US, arrived early in the morning. He said he never expected to see an American lead the Church. He felt emotional, as did many other Americans there. “It’s powerful for American Catholics,” he said, “to feel more connected to the global Church through Pope Leo.” (Reuters Photo)

Papal Symbols Given | During the Mass, Leo received two traditional papal symbols. The pallium is a woollen stole worn across the shoulders, representing the pope as a shepherd. The fisherman’s ring, engraved with an image of Peter and a net, represents evangelisation. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti gave the pallium; Cardinal Luis Tagle presented the ring. (Reuters Photo)

Modern Rites Follow | Rather than a full coronation with a tiara, Leo’s ceremony was called a Mass of inauguration. A rite of obedience followed the presentation of the ring and pallium. Representatives of cardinals, bishops, priests, nuns, married couples, and youth pledged their obedience, symbolising the unity of the Church under the new pope. (Reuters Photo)

Homily and Message | Leo gave a homily after receiving the symbols. While it was unclear if he would declare a mission statement, he had already outlined priorities. He emphasised peace, justice, and truth in foreign affairs, and reaffirmed Church teachings on family and unborn life. He promised to focus on Catholic social doctrine. (AP Photo)

Final Blessing Given | After the homily and Communion, Leo offered a final blessing. He then returned to the basilica to greet heads of state and delegations from over 150 countries. Among the crowd were Americans Gary and Susan Hudak from Chicago. They had hoped only to see the Sistine Chapel but were thrilled to witness history. (AP Photo)