officially commenced his pontificate by receiving the two principal
symbols of papal authority — the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium,
Trend reports.
The ancient religious ritual took place in St. Peter’s Square at
the Vatican and marks the beginning of the papacy of the 267th
Pope.
The ceremony was attended by thousands of believers, alongside
more than 150 foreign delegations, members of royal families, and
representatives from various religious denominations.
XXX
13:11
The solemn inauguration ceremony of newly elected Pope Leo XIV
has begun at the Vatican, Trend reports.
The event, broadcast live by numerous international television
networks, is taking place in St. Peter’s Basilica, in front of the
tomb of the Apostle Peter—the first Pope of the Catholic
Church.
Prior to the liturgical service, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd
while riding through St. Peter’s Square and along the Via della
Conciliazione in an open Popemobile.
Thousands of pilgrims, worshippers, and tourists have gathered
in the Vatican to witness the historic occasion. Authorities in
Rome estimate the number of participants could reach 250,000, many
of whom have arrived as part of the Christian Jubilee Year
celebrations.
More than 150 international delegations are attending the
ceremony. Special attention is being paid to delegations from
Italy, Peru—where Pope Leo XIV spent many years as a missionary and
obtained citizenship—and the United States, his country of birth,
particularly the delegation from Chicago.
Representatives of other Christian denominations, including the
Patriarchate of Constantinople, are also present.
The highlight of the inauguration will be the presentation of
the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium, the key symbols of papal
authority, to Pope Leo XIV.