Rita Odafe
Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as the first American to helm the Catholic Church, made his first appearance at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday in a popemobile, warmly welcoming pilgrims and supporters before his inauguration Mass.
As his vehicle navigated through the jubilant crowd, the pope joyfully waved, smiled, and made the sign of the cross.
Among the attendees of the inauguration mass, scheduled to start at 10:00 am (0800 GMT), is US Vice President JD Vance, joined by numerous other dignitaries.
Robert Francis Prevost, hailing from Chicago, officially took on the role as the global leader of 1.4 billion Catholics on May 8, and will officiate the ceremony rich in traditions, receiving his unique papal ring and delivering a homily that will outline his papacy’s direction.
The newly appointed 69-year-old pope, who dedicated twenty years to missionary work in Peru, remains relatively unfamiliar to many Catholics. However, he has begun to share his vision of leadership over the past week.
In conversations with journalists, clergy, and diplomats, Pope Leo XIV has consistently advocated for peace amid global conflicts and championed social justice.
He has also reaffirmed traditional Catholic teachings, underscoring the significance of family structures centered on a lasting union between a man and a woman, while advocating for the rights of the unborn.
