Pope Leo XIV greets the crowd from the popemobile before a Holy mass for the beginning of his pontificate, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
VATICAN CITY — Thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday as newly elected Pope Leo XIV prepares to celebrate his first Mass as pontiff. The upcoming ceremony will mark the formal start of his papacy, drawing anticipation from the faithful and world leaders alike.
Pope Leo XIV made his first tour of St Peter’s Square in his popemobile, smiling and waving to the crowds gathered for his inauguration mass 10 days after his election.
The Catholic Church’s first US-born pontiff, 69, stood in the white vehicle as it drove among tens of thousands of flag-waving and cheering pilgrims at the Vatican.
Priests wait for the start of the Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)
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A Swiss Guard stands as faithful gather before a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
A general view shows empty seat in front of the basilica before a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin / POOL / AFP)
Nuns wait before a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Stefano Rellandini / AFP)
Two men make last minute adjustments near the Pope’s armchair before a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin / POOL / AFP)
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Faithful gather prior a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
Faithful gather prior a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP)
Workers place flowers on the basilica’s loggia ahead a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
A man wearing a traditional Peruvian clothing waves ahead a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
People hold a US flag ahead a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
A woman holds two signs in Ukrainian colours reading “Holy Father pray for us, Ukraine expects it” ahead a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)