The Plaza de San Pedro was the scene this Sunday of one of the most solemn and symbolic ceremonies of the Catholic Church: the Pontificate’s beginning mass of Pope Leo XIV. Although the new Pontiff already formally exercised as a spiritual leader of the more than 1.4 billion Catholics in the world since his election on May 8, the liturgy held today marked the official beginning of his ministry as successor of St. Peter.
The event brought together tens of thousands of faithful and pilgrims under a spring sun, in addition to government representatives, religious leaders and members of the royalty around the world. All were witnesses of a ceremony rich in millenary symbolisms, which link the new Pontiff with the figure of the apostle Peter, the first Pope, and his pastoral mission.
Rites loaded with history
The ceremony, although structured as a Sunday mass, It was marked by unique elements that identify the beginning of a new pontificate. In a procession that departed from the tomb of San Pedro, under the Vatican Basilica, two of the most significant signs of the papal trade were taken to the altar: the pallium and the fisherman’s ring.
THE PALIO -A white wool stola decorated with crosses- represents the good shepherd who brings his herd on his shoulders, in direct allusion to Christ. León received him from Cardinal Dominique Mamberti as a sign of his pastoral commitment.
Then, Cardinal Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle gave him the fisherman’s ring, that has recorded the image of San Pedro throwing the networks. This ring, a symbol of spiritual power and the evangelizing mission of the Pontiff, also works as its official seal during the pontificate.
Gospel in two languages: a message of universality
During the Mass, the Gospel was proclaimed in Latin and Greek, languages that represent the roots of the primitive Church and symbolize its universal character. The selected passage recalled Jesus’ mandate to Pedro to graze his people, reinforcing the link between Leo XIV and his spiritual predecessor.
As a personal detail, the outdoor altar was accompanied by an image of the mother of the good advice, patron of an Augustinian sanctuary near Rome, in tribute to the religious order of the new Pontiff.
A church that obeys and accompanies
In the rite of obedience, representatives of the people of God – among them cardinals, religious, a laity marriage – greeted the Pope as a sign of unity and faithfulness. This simplification of the ancient oath of obedience expresses a more inclusive and co -responsible church.
World delegations, with a view to peace
After the Mass, Leo XIV personally greeted delegations from more than 150 countries and religious organizations. Among them were the Vice Presidents of the United States and Peru, a country where the Pope exercised for years as a missionary and bishop.
The presidents of Ukraine and Israel also highlighted, countries affected by the armed conflicts that León explicitly mentioned in his first Sunday blessing, reaffirming his commitment to peace as one of the axes of his pontificate.
A pontificate with deep roots and global vision
Leo XIV assumes the guide of the Catholic Church with gestures that unite tradition and modernity. His choice has been received with enthusiasm, especially among the faithful of the United States and Peru, countries with which he maintains close links. But beyond its nationality, the symbolism of this ceremony marks its commitment to a church that is projected to the world with a message of unity, compassion and hope.
Source: Ambito
