Captivating Moments: Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Inaugural Mass with 150,000 Devotees

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV made his way through St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City in his popemobile ahead of the inaugural Mass marking the beginning of his papacy. (Andrew Medichini)

Pope Leo XIV navigated St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on his popemobile before the start of his first pontifical Mass, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Domenico Stinellis)

In St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, cardinals gathered and took their seats for the inaugural Mass celebrating the commencement of Pope Leo XIV’s leadership on May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

Pope Leo XIV, on his popemobile, bottom, tours St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican prior to the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, on May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance attend the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, on May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

Pope Leo XIV holds Mass during the formal inauguration of his pontificate in St. Peter’s Square attended by heads of state, royalty and ordinary faithful, on May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Pope Leo XIV with a baby on his popemobile as he tours St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican prior to the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, on May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, second right, places the Ring of the Fisherman on the finger of Pope Leo XIV as the pontiff celebrates a Mass for the formal inauguration of his pontificate in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, on May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) presided over his inauguration Mass in St. Peter’s Square after his election on May 18th. (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Pope Leo XIV meets with the Diplomatic Corps prior to his inaugural Mass. (Vatican Media)

Pope Leo XIV sits facing the Diplomatic Corps ahead of his inaugural Mass, discusses the topic of family and respect. (Vatican Media)