By Victoria Cardiel
Vatican City, May 17, 2025 / 09:00 am
The Mass for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate will be celebrated on Sunday, May 18, at 10 a.m. Rome time in St. Peter’s Square, a liturgical event that will mark the official beginning of his ministry as successor of Peter and bishop of Rome.
The following is a review of the most important moments of this ceremony, rich in symbols and highlights, which will be marked by several significant changes compared with the Mass for the inauguration of Pope Francis’ pontificate in 2013. For example, it will not be the cardinals who will pledge obedience to the new pope after the presentation of the pallium and the fisherman’s ring but rather a group of “representatives of the people of God.”
Prayer at the tomb of St. Peter
From the Altar of Confession, located in the center of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, where Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s baldachin stands, Pope Leo XIV will descend the stairs with the patriarchs of the Eastern Churches to the tomb of St. Peter. There he will pause in prayer for a few minutes.
The Holy Father will place incense in the thurible and incense the “Trophæum Apostolicum,” the venerated monument that marks the tomb of the Apostle Peter, the first pope and the rock upon which Christ built his Church. This ritual emphasizes the pontiff’s connection with the Apostle Peter and his martyrdom.
Solemn procession
The deacons then take the pallium, the fisherman’s ring, and the Book of the Gospels and carry them together in procession. These symbols of the Petrine ministry precede the pope, carried with solemnity, as a visible expression of the service, spiritual authority, and proclamation of the Gospel that the successor of Peter is called to exercise in the universal Church.
The procession heads toward St. Peter’s Square from within the basilica.
Welcome to the Spectacular Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV
As we embark on this extraordinary journey, the air is filled with the solemn hymn of “Lauds Regiae”, a unique form of the Litany of the Saints where their intercession for the pope’s holiness is fervently requested.
Witness the Sign of the Cross in Latin
With reverence and grace, Pope Leo XIV makes the sign of the cross in Latin: ”In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.” This ancient ritual marks the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration during the Mass for the inauguration of his pontificate, followed by the sprinkling of holy water upon the faithful.
Experience the Gospel in Greek and Latin
One of the most poignant moments of the inauguration Mass is the proclamation of the Gospel in both Greek and Latin. This powerful gesture symbolizes the unity of the Church, highlighting that the pope is the shepherd of all Catholics, regardless of their liturgical traditions.
Through the use of Greek and Latin, the ancient languages of the Christian East and the Roman rite, the universality of Christ’s message is underscored. The Holy Father blesses the Book of the Gospels, signifying his commitment to proclaiming the Good News to all nations.
Embrace the Symbolism of the Pallium and Ring
Leading up to this momentous occasion, Pope Leo XIV has worn his episcopal ring as a cardinal. However, during the inauguration Mass, he will receive the fisherman’s ring, a symbol of his role as the successor of Peter. This ring, engraved with his name, represents his sacred mission in the Petrine ministry.
Join us as we witness the grandeur and significance of this historic event, as Pope Leo XIV embarks on his journey as the shepherd of the universal Church.
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