Amid joyful chants, waving flags, and a spirit of unity, over 200,000 pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday 18th of May to witness the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, formally marking the beginning of his pontificate. Joined by world leaders, dignitaries, and representatives of Christian denominations, the newly elected Pontiff embraced his Petrine Ministry with humility and spiritual resolve.
The Holy Mass on May 18 officially launched Pope Leo XIV’s role as the Bishop of Rome and spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. The celebration, filled with rich liturgical symbolism, underscored continuity with the traditions of the early Church, particularly through the bestowal of the pallium and the Ring of the Fisherman. The pallium, woven from lamb’s wool, symbolizes the Pope’s role as the Good Shepherd, bearing the burdens of his flock with compassion and love. Meanwhile, the Ring of the Fisherman, a sign of the Apostle Peter’s legacy, was placed on Pope Leo XIV’s finger, representing his new mission to be a “fisher of men” in the service of Christ.
Photo Credit: Jaime C. Patias
Presiding over the liturgy, Pope Leo XIV delivered a homily filled with spiritual depth and hope, offering direction for the Church’s path forward. In one stirring moment, he began with sadness and hope as he spoke about the death of Pope Francis, “The death of Pope Francis filled our hearts with sadness. In those difficult hours, we felt like the crowds that the Gospel says were “like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36).” Then, on Easter Sunday, we received his final blessing and, in the light of the resurrection, we experienced the days that followed in the certainty that the Lord never abandons his people…”
He marvelled at his election as the 267th Pope as he says, “I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family.”
Emphasizing unity among Christians and solidarity with the marginalized, the Pope added: “With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit, let us build a Church founded on God’s love, a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made “restless” by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity.”
His message resonated beyond the Square, reaching millions via global broadcasts, drawing praise for its simplicity, inclusiveness, and vision of a Church renewed in compassion and mission.
The ceremony was attended by a wide range of international leaders and heads of state, underscoring the global significance of the papal inauguration. Ecumenical representatives from the Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, and Eastern Christian communities offered gestures of support and fraternal dialogue, marking a hopeful sign for Christian unity.
May God, in His abundant mercy, bless His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, guiding him with wisdom, courage, and humility to shepherd the universal Church in truth and love.
Fr. Sanjay Tirkey, CSsR.
Scala News
