In the Vatican, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska attended the solemn Mass marking the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV.
St. Peter’s Square was filled with clergy, members of religious communities, diplomats, as well as believers and pilgrims. In total, around 250,000 faithful from around the world were present.
Delegations from nearly 150 countries and international organizations took part in the ceremony, including members of royal families and around 50 heads of state and government. Among those in attendance were the Vice President of the United States and leaders from across Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, and Australia.
After the Mass, heads of state and government were invited into St. Peter’s Basilica for a greeting with Pope Leo XIV.
His Holiness was elected to the Apostolic See on May 8 following the traditional conclave after the passing of Pope Francis. Robert Francis Prevost became the 267th Pope and took the name Leo XIV.
