Overview

• Pope León XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, officially began his papacy on May 18, 2025, with a mass in St. Peter’s Square attended by 200,000 faithful and over 150 international delegations.
• During the ceremony, León XIV received the Pallium and Fisherman’s Ring, traditional symbols of papal authority, marking the formal start of his ministry.
• In his homily, the pope denounced global discord, economic exploitation, and marginalization, urging unity and a mission to be a 'leaven of fraternity' in the world.
• León XIV’s choice of name honors Leo XIII and his legacy of social teaching, signaling a commitment to addressing modern challenges like inequality and technological change.
• Global leaders, including Spain’s King Felipe VI, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, joined religious representatives from diverse faiths in the ceremony.