Journalism of Courage
Pope Leo XIV officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacy’s global reach and mediatic draw. (AP)
The Pope smiled and waved from the back of the truck, and stopped to bless some babies in the crowd on his popemobile, while touring through St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. (AP)
Leo received the pallium, or lambswool stole, a symbol of the papacy from Cardinal Mario Zenari during a Mass. The Pope appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him — the lambswool stole over his shoulders and the fisherman’s ring on his finger — as if the weight of responsibility of leading the 1.4-billion strong church had just sunk in. (Reuters)
Pope Leo XIV then held Mass during the formal inauguration of his pontificate in St. Peter's Square attended by heads of state, royalty and ordinary faithful. The first American pope in history vowed Sunday to work for unity so that the Catholic Church becomes a symbol of peace in the world. (AP)
From right, Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance, brother of Pope Leo XIV, Louis Prevost and his wife Deborah, attend the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. US Vice-President JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, led the American delegation honouring the Chicago-born Leo. (Reuters)
Ukraine's President Volodymr Zelenskyy and Queen Letizia of Spain were two of around a dozen heads of state who attended Pope Leo XIV's formal inauguration of his pontificate in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican. (AP)
Iran's culture minister Seyed Abbas Saleh Shariata, centre, was also present for Pope Leo XIV's inauguration Mass for his pontificate, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. (AP)
Pope Leo XIV's met Spanish King Felipe VI after the formal inauguration of his pontificate in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican. Russia had planned to send its culture minister but was represented by its ambassador, reports said. (AP)
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, left, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with her husband Heiko wait to meet Pope Leo XIV after the formal inauguration of his pontificate at the Vatican. Strict diplomatic protocol dictated the seating arrangements at the inaugural Mass. (Reuters)
Pope's message on the day emphasized hope and peace, resonating with attendees like Pia from Chile, who said she felt a "new hope in the church". (AP)
