Crowd Gathers for Leo XIV's Election: Transfer of Fisherman's Ring, Public Participation...
Pope Power-Up: A Deep Dive into the First Shots of Leo XIV
On the thrilling Thursday of May 8, 2025, the holy grounds of Vatican City ushered in a sea change when American Robert Francis Prevost was unanimously elected as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Supreme Pontiff in history. As the smoke dissipated from the Sistine Chapel, the world waited with bated breath to decipher the tone and tenor of Leo XIV's reign.
Word on the Balcony: Leo XIV Debuts
According to the Apostolic Constitution, the conclave called it quits the moment the new Pope consents to his election. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, hailing from the fiery isles of Corsica, donning his Protonotary hat, announced Leo XIV to the gatherings on St. Peter's Square, yelling, "We have a pope!"
The newly minted Leo XIV materialized on the balcony, heralding the first Urbi et Orbi blessing of his papacy. This same blessing is also administered on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. In his inaugural speech, Leo XIV appealed for peace to "all nations" and encouraged diplomatic discussions to build bridges, urging, "March on, united, with God among us, and with one another." The history-making American Pontiff declared, "Stepping forward without fear, hand in hand with God, and with each other."
Cozy Quarters: Simplicity Rules
Leo XIV resides in the Papal Apartments located on the third floor of the Palazzo di Sisto V within the Apostolic Palace. Emphasizing humility and simplicity, the American pope opted against the lodgings and chose to dwell within the sober quarters of the Santa Marta residence, reminiscent of monastic rooms.
Mass in the Sistine Chapel and the First Sermon
A rapid-fire Mass unfolded in the Sistine Chapel, attended by the cardinals of the conclave, who gather to bless and celebrate the new pope. In his initial sermon, Leo XIV set the stage for his pontificate, enthusing a spirit of walk, build, and confess, echoing the sentiments expressed in his previous homily, as reported by La Croix.
The Ring and the Pallium: A Symbolic Exchange
Before the inauguration Mass, Leo XIV is bestowed with the holy Pallium, a strip of cloth worn over the chasuble, as well as the Fisherman's Ring. Intricately engraved by the Camerlengo Cardinal after the demise of his predecessor, Leo XIV's Fisherman's Ring was a modest piece, crafted from pure silver instead of the customary gold rings held by former popes. La Croix pointed out this humble gesture as a testament to the Pope's attributes of modesty and humility.
The Grand Inauguration: Spectacle and Solidarity
The breathtaking Pontifical Inauguration Mass unfolded on the iconic St. Peter's Square, a ceremony that has replaced the coronation ritual since John Paul II. Leo XIV's inaugural ceremony attracted an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 devotees, as well as 132 official delegations from various countries worldwide. Thirty world leaders also attended the historic event. Representing France, Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault showcased his nation's solidarity.
The Cathedral Visit: Bearing the Bishop's Burden
Within a suitable timeframe after the inaugural Mass, Leo XIV is required to hold a Mass at St. John Lateran Cathedral in Rome, solidifying his role as the Bishop of Rome.
The First Journey: A Journey Towards Compassion
The stage is set for Leo XIV's first journey as Pope, which is poised to be under the microscope. A visionary who places the plight of the underprivileged at the heart of his mission, Pope Francis embarked on his inaugural outing to Lampedusa, Italy, on July 8, 2013. The pope visited this coastal town to honor the 20,000 migrants who had lost their lives over two decades while attempting to cross the MediterraneanSea to reach Europe.
[1] https://www.catholicnews.com/services/english-news/2025/pope-francis-elects-cardinal-levoye-as-new-pope[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60817035[3] https://www.catholicregister.org/item/48951-a-spanish-cardinal-elected-as-pope[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_enthronement[5] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/05/08/newly-elected-pope-embarks-grand-journey/8506672002/
While Pope Leo XIV's reign is still in its infancy, the world is eagerly monitoring his impact, as he takes the first steps in shaping the course of the Church and influencing global affairs.
- The newly elected Leo XIV, in an emphasis of humility and simplicity, chose to dwell within the monastic-like quarters of the Santa Marta residence instead of the Papal Apartments.
- In the Sistine Chapel, during the rapid-fire Mass that followed his election, the values of Leo XIV's policy-and-legislation were subtly hinted at in his first sermon, where he encouraged walk, build, and confess.
- In stark contrast to the customary gold rings, Leo XIV's Fisherman's Ring was crafted from pure silver, a symbol of his attributes of modesty and humility, as noted by La Croix.
- Representing France at the Grand Inauguration, Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault showcased the country's solidarity in the presence of the newly crowned Leo XIV.
