Last update: 13:26
Shortly after 11:00 a.m. Greek time, the official enthronement ceremony of Pope Leo XIV, who was elected by the conclave of cardinals on May 8, began in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
The area surrounding the Vatican was completely filled with more than 250,000 faithful, while over 150 official foreign delegations were attending the ceremony. The event was being broadcast worldwide, and the atmosphere was charged with reverence, emotion, and deep symbolism.
Prior to the start of the ceremony, the new pontiff toured the square in the popemobile, greeting the faithful. A short while later, excerpts from the Gospel were read in Greek, as tradition dictates—an act many commentators view as a meaningful gesture in favor of Christian unity.
Among the most moving moments of the ceremony were the vesting with the “robes of the Good Shepherd” and the presentation of the “Fisherman’s Ring,” symbolizing the religious authority of the Pope.
A central figure among the religious leaders present was Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is expected to meet with the new Pope. Pope Leo XIV has already expressed his intention to travel with the Patriarch to Nicaea in Asia Minor, in commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. It remains to be seen whether this trip will take place on May 26, as originally planned by the late Pope Francis, or whether it will be slightly postponed.
In his address to the faithful, Pope Leo reflected on the passing of Pope Francis and the guidance of the Holy Spirit during the conclave, stating:
“I was chosen, without any merit of my own. I stand before you in fear, trembling, as a brother and servant of your faith and joy.”
He also noted that the Greek verb “agapao” (to love), as used in the Gospel, reveals the kind of love God shows us—a love that is unconditional and without calculation. Pope Leo XIV concluded by emphasizing that the primary mission of the Catholic Church must be the pursuit of peace, as well as closeness with the other Christian Churches.
On the political front, world leaders present in Rome included U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.
Heading the Greek delegation was Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Sofia Zacharaki, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Loverdos.
Security measures were exceptionally tight, mirroring those implemented during the funeral of the late Pope Francis. Drones, elite snipers, divers in the Tiber River, and metal detectors on all access routes to St. Peter’s Square were in full operation.
After the conclusion of the enthronement ceremony, many faithful and members of foreign delegations are expected to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to venerate the tomb of Pope Francis.
