Vatican City: On May 18, at 10 a.m. local time (1:30 p.m. IST), the official inauguration of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV took place, marking his assumption of office as the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the global Catholic Church. The event was initiated with prayers and incense offering at the tomb of Saint Peter, attended by Patriarchs from Eastern Churches. Following this, Pope Leo XIV, escorted by cardinals, proceeded to the main altar set up in St. Peter’s Square.
A central part of the enthronement ceremony included the Pope receiving the Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing his succession of the first Pope—St. Peter, the fisherman from Galilee—and the Pallium, representing the pastoral authority entrusted to him and his universal role as shepherd of the Church. Cardinals from three ranks (bishops, priests, and deacons) led the ceremony of investing the Pope with these symbols.
The Gospel was read in Latin and Greek. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti presented the Pallium, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from Asia invested the Pope with the Fisherman’s Ring. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from Africa led the prayer for the Pope. After receiving the ring and the Pallium, Pope Leo XIV held up the Bible and blessed the faithful. The overflowing crowd at St. Peter’s Square responded with thunderous applause and chants of “Ad multos annos” (many years).
Following this, twelve individuals from various parts of the world symbolically represented the universal Church and pledged their obedience to the Pope.
In his homily during the Mass, Pope Leo emphasized love, unity, and fraternity, reminding the faithful that in times of hatred, conflict, and wounds, we must advance with the seal of love and unity. After the Mass, the Pope traveled in the Popemobile to bless the gathered faithful.
Over 200,000 people from around the world participated in the enthronement ceremony. World leaders, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, were present. From India, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh led the delegation.
After the ceremonies, Pope Leo XIV met with heads of states, leaders of various churches, and spiritual leaders from other religions and expressed his gratitude.
