Pope Leo XIV has officially begun his papacy after being inaugurated during Mass at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, Italy.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the prayerful and joyful support offered to him as he begins his pastoral ministry as Pope, Leo XIV recalled the intense emotions experienced over these past few weeks.
“Following the death of Pope Francis, we felt like sheep without a shepherd,” he recalled, “yet having received his final blessing on Easter Sunday, and with eyes of faith, hope, and joy, we remembered how the Lord never abandons His people.”
The Pope also thanked everyone for accompanying in prayer the College of Cardinals meeting in conclave to elect the Successor of Peter as they looked at how to continue the mission of preaching the Gospel with a shepherd able to address today’s challenges.
“I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling,” said Pope Leo, “I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family.”
The inauguration mass was attended by over 100,000 pilgrims, world leaders and representatives of Christian denominations.
Pope Leo XIV was elected on Thursday, May 7, 2025, as the 267th Pontiff and the first from the US to succeed the late Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
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