Solemn inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV

People happily welcome Pope Leo XIV. (Photo: DuongHoa/VNA)

Tens of thousands attended the two-hour inauguration mass, including world leaders, royalty, dignitaries, religious leaders from other faiths and pilgrims from around the world.

Among the distinguished guests were Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, US Vice President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and delegates from more than 150 countries.

Before the official inauguration mass began, Pope Leo XIV made his first greeting to the faithful across St. Peter's Square. The bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang as Pope Leo XIV waved his arms as he slowly passed through the square and Via della Conciliata in a specially designed car. Crowds on both sides cheered and waved the flag of the Holy See, mixed with flags of other countries and banners.

Pope Leo XIV presided over the ceremony with many rituals and symbols, including the formal conferring on Pope Leo XIV the symbols of office including the pallium - symbolizing his pastoral care for the church and his role as shepherd, and the fisherman's ring, symbolizing the Pope's authority as the successor of Saint Peter, a fisherman and whom Catholics consider the first Pope.

Once the Pope receives the symbols of office, representatives of ordinary Catholics around the world will show their “obedience” to the Pope, something previously done by Cardinals.

The decision to include non-cardinals in this part of the ceremony shows the Pope's commitment to a church that is seeking to increase the participation of non-hierarchical Catholics. The inclusion of ordinary Catholics in the ceremony is also a recognition of Pope Leo XIV's intention to continue the reforms initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis.

Pope Leo XIV's inaugural address was a powerful and inspiring statement, presenting a clear and hopeful vision for his pontificate.

This speech not only defined his priorities but also conveyed a message of love, compassion and service that could resonate with people of all faiths and walks of life.

Scene of the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV at San Pietro Square. (Photo: Duong Hoa/VNA)

In his speech, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the theme of service as the core of his ministry and of the Church as a whole, affirming that true greatness lies in serving others. The Pope expressed deep concern for the poor, the abandoned, and those deprived of dignity. The Pope envisioned the Church as a “house open to all,” where everyone feels welcome, loved, and accepted. He emphasized the need for tolerance and acceptance within the Church.

Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the challenges and divisions in the world and in the Church. He called for the healing of wounds, the bridging of divisions, and the building of a more peaceful and harmonious world. The speech exuded a spirit of optimism and hope. The Pope expressed confidence in God's help and the support of the community to overcome the challenges and build a better future.

The speech was delivered in simple, clear and easy-to-understand language, showing closeness and humility, expressing the Pope's sincere feelings and enthusiasm for his ministry. He spoke with compassion, empathy and determination. The speech was not only a statement of vision but also a call to action. The Pope asked everyone to pray for him and to work together to build a better world.

The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV was a momentous event, marking a new beginning for the Catholic Church. Believers around the world placed great expectations on his reign, hoping that he would lead the Church through the challenges of the times and continue its mission of proclaiming the Gospel and building a more just and peaceful world.

Speaking to a VNA reporter in Rome, Mr. Sadello Scardigno, a member of the Congregation of the Brotherhood of Puglia, southern Italy, said: “We are here to witness the inauguration of the Pope. We expect Pope Leo XIV, as he said, to be the one to lead the world, leading the powerful people on Earth towards peace, which we need so much. The Pope also spoke about solidarity among peoples and according to him, this is the main path that all humanity must pursue."

Meanwhile, Ms. Lucia from the city of Salerno in the Campania region, expressed: "I am very honored and happy to come here to participate in the inauguration of the Pope. I hope the inauguration of the Pope will be related to peace in both Ukraine and Gaza. I have great confidence in the new Pope, hoping that he will help all of us achieve peace and bring God's love to everyone, to the whole world."

Gian Paolo from the Salerno Fraternity, Campania, Italy, stressed that “the guiding principle of the Church is the words of Pope Leo XIV, spoken on the day of his election, emphasizing the creation of peace, the peace of God, the peace that unites man with heaven and earth, as well as overcoming internal divisions and strengthening universal brotherhood, which will surely bring us only good.”

After the Mass ends, the Pope will lead the Regina Caeli, or “Queen of Heaven,” prayer before meeting with international delegations inside St. Peter's Basilica.

A large screen serves people to watch the inauguration of Pope XIV from afar. (Photo: Duong Hoa/VNA)

Preparations for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV were carried out in a careful and professional manner, ensuring the solemnity, scale and wide communication of the event. Security issues were given special attention, with measures tightened to the maximum and close coordination between the authorities to prevent all risks and ensure the safety of everyone.

The inauguration is an important cultural event, reflecting the rich history and traditions of the Catholic Church. The live coverage of the event around the world demonstrates the global influence of the Catholic Church and the role of the Pope as a spiritual leader with international influence. The inauguration is not only a religious event but also has an impact on the political, social and economic spheres around the world, attracting the attention of leaders, organizations and the media.

The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV was a solemn, dignified and successful event. This event not only had profound religious significance but also had great cultural and social impact. The inauguration reinforced the Pope's leadership role in the Catholic Church and in the world, and at the same time aroused the hope and expectation of the faithful for a successful papacy./.

According to VNA

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/trang-trong-thanh-le-nham-chuc-cua-giao-hoang-leo-xiv-249187.htm