Pope Leo XIV Rides In Popemobile Ahead Of Inaugural Mass, Greets Crowd
Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, made his debut tour of St. Peter’s Square on Sunday aboard the popemobile, warmly greeting pilgrims and well-wishers ahead of his inauguration Mass.
The pontiff stood in the white vehicle as it drove through cheering crowds, smiling, waving and making the sign of the cross.
US Vice President, JD Vance is among the hundreds of dignitaries due to attend the inauguration mass that begins at 10:00 am (0800 GMT).
Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, who became head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on May 8, will preside over the ceremony rich in rites and symbols, where he will receive his special papal ring before giving a homily that will set the tone for his papacy.
The 69-year-old new head of the Catholic church worldwide, after spending two decades as a missionary in Peru, is unknown to many Catholics, but during the past week he has offered glimpses of the kind of leader he will be.
Pope Leo XIV, in meetings with journalists, clergy and diplomats, repeatedly called for peace in a world full of conflicts and defended social justice.
He also emphasised traditional Catholic values, including the importance of a family built around a stable union of a man and a woman, and defended the rights of the unborn.
