Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Mass of Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday, formally beginning his pontificate.
The Mass was attended by more than 200,000 pilgrims in Saint Peter’s Square, with world leaders and religious leaders joining the celebration, showing the power to unify the Catholic Church holds.
Bishop Anthony Randazzo was among the many bishops attending the Inauguration Mass while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the many world leaders in attendance.
The theme of unity was key to Pope Leo XIV’s homily during the Mass, preaching that love and unity are the two aspects of the mission entrusted to Peter by Jesus.
"I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling," said Pope Leo.
"I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family."
He said the role of the Pope was to preside in love, spreading the joy and love of Christ to all.
“The ministry of Peter is distinguished precisely by this self-sacrificing love, because the Church of Rome presides in charity and its true authority is the charity of Christ,” he said.
“It is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a question of loving as Jesus did.”
He also expressed his hope for "a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world.
“Together, as one people, as brothers and sisters, let us walk towards God and love one another.”
During the Mass, Pope Leo XIV was given the Ring of the Fisherman by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a symbol of the office which began with Saint Peter. He became visibly emotional while receiving the ring.
He also received the pallium, a strip of lambswool, symbolising his role as a shepherd.
Over the next week, Pope Leo XIV will be kept busy as he formally begins his role. He will take possession of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls on Tuesday and hold his first General Audience on Wednesday.
He will also meet with Roman Curia and Vatican City State employees on Saturday, before taking possession of the Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran and Saint Mary Major on Sunday.