Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass on Sunday in St Peter’s Square and Basilica is a rich ceremonial occasion deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism. The ritual is meant to highlight the connection between the new pontiff and Saint Peter, the apostle chosen by Jesus to lead the early Church.

While no formal authority is granted during the Mass — Leo is already the head of the Vatican and spiritual leader to approximately 1.4 billion Catholics — the event marks his acceptance of two powerful symbols of the papacy: the pallium and the fisherman’s ring.
 


Tens of thousands gathered in the square to witness the Mass, including members of the public, religious leaders and representatives from governments around the world.

Symbolic rituals and sacred objects

Though the liturgy follows the standard structure of any Sunday Mass — including prayers, hymns, readings, a homily and Holy Communion — every element is imbued with deep meaning. The Gospel reading, for example, focuses on Christ entrusting Peter with the care of His flock, a theme echoed by Leo in his first public remarks after his election.

This Gospel passage will be proclaimed first in Latin, then in Greek. “The Church’s attempt to reach everyone” is reflected in the use of these two ancient languages, explained Rev Giuseppe Midili, a professor and advisor to the Vatican’s liturgical office.

Adding a personal note to the celebration, the Vatican announced that an image of the Mother of Good Counsel — a Marian icon from a small Augustinian sanctuary near Rome — will be displayed near the outdoor altar. The choice reflects Leo’s affiliation with the Augustinian order.

The pallium and fisherman’s ring

Two of the most remarkable moments will occur just before the homily when Pope Leo receives the pallium and the fisherman’s ring — both deeply symbolic tokens of his new ministry.

The pallium, a white woolen band worn over the shoulders with black crosses, recalls the image of the good shepherd carrying a lamb. “It’s the symbolism of the good shepherd who carries the sheep on his shoulders,” said Midili. The wool for the pallium traditionally comes from lambs that have been blessed before shearing.

Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who publicly announced Leo’s election on May 8, will bestow the pallium.

The fisherman’s ring harks back to the Gospel story in which Jesus, following his resurrection, tells the apostles where to cast their nets after a night of fruitless fishing. Peter obeys and their nets are miraculously filled. The ring, engraved with an image of Peter casting a net and Leo’s name, represents the Church’s mission of evangelisation and its unity. When a pope dies, the ring is defaced to prevent it from being used to seal official papal documents.

The ring will be presented by Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, a prominent figure once considered papabile.

At the start of the Mass, both the pallium and ring are brought out from the chapel above Saint Peter’s tomb, beneath the basilica, where the pope prays with leaders from Eastern Rite Catholic churches before ascending to the main altar in the square.

Immediately following the bestowal of these insignia, Pope Leo will receive a symbolic gesture of loyalty from a diverse delegation representing various ranks of the Church — from cardinals to laypeople — during the “rite of obedience.”

World leaders and dignitaries attend

After the Mass concludes, Pope Leo will greet political and religious leaders attending the ceremony.

US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both Catholics, are in attendance — marking their first appearance at a papal Mass, despite prior tensions between their administration and Pope Francis.

More than 20 heads of state are expected, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as Peruvian President Dina Boluarte — representing the country where Leo served for years as a bishop and missionary and whose citizenship he holds.

Also among the attendees are Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — leaders of two nations currently at war, both of which Pope Leo mentioned during his first Sunday address.

European royals and Gulf dignitaries are also on the guest list, including King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of the United Arab Emirates.