Inaugural Mass: Pope Leo XIV

The Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church had his Inaugural Mass in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday the 18^th of May 2025, marking the official start of his Petrine Ministry.

As part of the Inaugural Mass, Cardinal Anthonio Louis Tagle put on him his Fisherman’s ring, a symbol of his authority as Head of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. This became an emotional moment for Pope Leo, who still probably cannot believe that he is now the Supreme Pontiff of the Holy Catholic Church. The Fisherman’s ring is a symbolic reference, specific to every papal regime / reign. It is the ring which is destroyed when a papal reign ends. His Staff symbolizes his role as Bishop of Rome and thence: Teacher, Sanctifier and Governor of Rome.

At the death of Pope Francis, Rome became devoid of their Bishop. With the official inauguration, Pope Leo officially becomes the 267^th Successor of Peter (as Pope), Bishop of Rome, and by extension the Bishop of the Universal Church, Head of State of the Vatican, and the visible icon of Christ who is the Bridegroom of the Church (His Bride).

The historic event was graced by Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Lay Faithful from all walks of life. Also present were dignitaries including J.D. Vance; Vice President of the United States, Volodymyr Zelensky; President of Ukraine,  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and our own Okudzeto Ablakwa as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

May the Lord grant Pope Leo XIV a successful papacy.

“This is the missionary spirit that must animate us; not closing ourselves off in our small groups, nor feeling superior to the world. We are called to offer God’s love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people.” Pope Leo XIV Inaugural Speech

Inauguration Mass of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV

“We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one. This is the path to follow together, among ourselves but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God, with all women and men of good will, in order to build a new world where peace reigns!”

Pope Leo Inaugural Speech