Summary

  • Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated as pontiff in Mass at St Peter's Square

  • Leo was given the Ring of the Fisherman by a cardinal, symbolising his role and its tradition, which has roots to Saint Peter

  • Earlier, LEo greeted crowds from the Popemobile - marking the first time he has travelled in the vehicle

  • World leaders including US Vice-President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were among the congregation

  • Leo delivered his first Mass on 8 May shortly after a conclave elected him as Pope, using the service to call for unity in the Catholic Church and an end to war

Live Reporting

Edited by Jenna Moon

  1. Pope Leo XIV's inauguration Mass heralds start of his papacy

    Pope Leo XIV celebrates MassReuters

    About two hours ago, we saw Pope Leo XIV begin his inauguration mass, marking the official start of his papacy.

    The Pope arrived in St Peter’s Square in the white Popemobile, waving to the crowds.

    He was then given the Ring of the Fisherman by a cardinal. This special ring is a symbol of his role, and it’s a tradition that dates back to the time of Saint Peter, who was a fisherman.

    Pope Leo also received the pallium, a strip of lambswool, symbolising his role as a shepherd.

    In his sermon, the 267th pontiff called for unity within the church, and said it is “with fear and trembling” that he approaches the church’s followers “as a brother”.

    Pope Leo receives ringGetty Images

    Pope Leo receives his unique ring shortly before beginning his Mass

  2. Photos show Pope Leo XIV's inauguration Mass at the Vatican

    Pope Leo XIV's inauguration Mass is ongoing - but we've been receiving photos into our newsroom showing the scenes at the Vatican this morning.

    Here's a look at key moments from the service.

    Pope Leo at the altar taking communion. Other men in religious clothing stand aroundReuters

    Pope Leo XIV takes communion at the altar during Mass

    A landscape shot of the Pope with others dressed in religious clothing standing in the shade of an overhead shelter. Those attending are seated to the left and right of the platform where he stands.Reuters

    Foreign dignitaries including President Zelensky, JD Vance and the Duke of Edinburgh are attending this morning's Mass

    Pope Leo stands and sprinkles holy waterReuters

    Leo blesses those attending with holy water

    A overhead shot of St Peter's Square filled with people. On the right hand side is a statueReuters

    Thousands of people have gathered in St Peter's Square to celebrate the Mass

  3. Pope Leo XIV marks start of papacy with inauguration Mass

    Pope Leo stands at the balcony in St Peter's Square. He is wearing red and gold robes. a priest in purple robes stands just behind him. Leo's hands are held in prayer at his chest.Getty Images

    Pope Leo XIV will be inaugurated as pontiff at a Mass in St Peter's Square. The service will mark the official start of his papacy.

    Leo was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church earlier this month following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and a two-day conclave in Vatican City.

    The new Pope held his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on 9 May, shortly after his election by the Conclave. He used the service to call for the Catholic Church to "desperately" counter a lack of faith and called for Church unity from his cardinals.

    Leo is the 267th Pope and the first to hail from the US.

    We'll be carrying a live stream of the Mass here.

    We won't be publishing regular text updates, but you can follow the Mass in full by clicking watch live at the top of this page.