The Solemn Rite of Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry of Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV formally began his Petrine Ministry on Sunday, May 18, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at St. Peter’s Basilica and Square. The liturgy marked the official inauguration of his pontificate as the Bishop of Rome and Successor of the Apostle Peter.

The celebration, rich in tradition and symbolic gestures, emphasized the continuity of the papacy with the witness of Saint Peter, whose martyrdom laid the foundations of the Church in Rome. Central to the rite were the conferral of the Palliumand the Ring of the Fisherman, ancient insignia of the Roman Pontiff.

The liturgy began inside the Basilica, where Pope Leo XIV, accompanied by the Patriarchs of the Eastern Churches, descended to the chapel housing the Tomb of Saint Peter. There, he paused in silent prayer and incensed the site, highlighting his deep spiritual connection with the Apostle and the martyrdom that gave rise to the Church of Rome.

Deacons carried the Pallium, the Ring of the Fisherman, and the Book of the Gospels in a solemn procession to the altar on the parvis. As Pope Leo XIV joined the procession, the traditional Laudes Regiae hymn was chanted, invoking the saints, martyrs, and holy pontiffs of the Church.

A tapestry depicting the miraculous catch of fish—symbolizing Peter’s calling—adorned the central gate of the Basilica.Near the altar stood the revered image of Our Lady of Good Counsel from the shrine in Genazzano.

The Pallium, made of lamb’s wool, represents the Good Shepherd and Peter’s call to feed Christ’s flock. Draped over the Pope’s shoulders, it features black silk crosses and symbolic pins recalling Christ’s crucifixion.

The Ring of the Fisherman, used historically as a papal signet, alludes to Peter’s role as the fisherman who obeyed Christ’s word. The ring symbolizes the Pope’s authority to confirm his brethren in faith.

Scripture readings were proclaimed in multiple languages. The First Reading, from Acts 4:8–12, declared Christ as “the stone rejected by the builders.” The Second Reading, from 1 Peter 5:1–5, 10–11, connected Peter’s legacy to the Pope’s ministry. The Gospel from John 21:15–19, proclaimed in Latin and Greek, recalled Jesus' thrice-repeated call to Peter: “Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep.”

Following the Gospel, three Cardinals—each from a different ecclesial order and continent—presented the Pope with the insignia. One placed the Pallium, another offered a prayer for divine guidance, and the third invoked Christ’s blessing before presenting the Ring of the Fisherman. The moment concluded with the Pope’s blessing using the Book of the Gospels, as the assembly acclaimed “Ad multos annos!” (“Many years!”).

Twelve representatives from the People of God pledged their obedience to the new Pope in a rite symbolizing universal unity. Pope Leo XIV then delivered his first homily as pontiff, reflecting on the Gospel and his mission as shepherd of the universal Church.

The Universal Prayer featured intercessions in Portuguese, French, Arabic, Polish, and Chinese. Prayers were offered forthe Church, the Pope, world leaders, the suffering, and the faithful gathered at the celebration.

The Offertory chant, Tu es pastor ovium (“You are the Shepherd of the sheep”), underscored the Pope’s pastoral identity. Pope Leo XIV prayed the Roman Canon, and during the Communion Rite, he asked God to confirm the Church in unity and charity.

Before the final blessing, the Pope addressed the faithful briefly. After the singing of the Regina Caeli, he imparted his solemn blessing, invoking God’s protection and grace upon the Church, likened to a vineyard planted and cared for by the Lord.