The Popemobile roams the square and nearby boulevard… Waves of cheers for the new pope’s inauguration
The Pope wearing the Fisherman’s Ring looks up at the sky… Feeling the weight of 1.4 billion followers
(From Vatican=Yonhap News) Reporter Shin Chang-yong = New Pope Leo XIV, riding the white papal vehicle ‘Popemobile,’ toured every corner of Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, making eye contact with believers gathered from all around the world.
Reporters stationed on the balcony of a building to the left side of the square also watched this scene. The Pope’s location was immediately recognized from afar, as cheers spread like waves wherever he passed.
The Popemobile didn’t remain solely inside the square. The Pope greeted the believers lined up along ‘Via della Conciliazione,’ the straight boulevard linking the square to Castel Sant’Angelo.
Watching Pope Leo XIV going far beyond where the press seating could see brought to mind his pastoral motto: “In Christ, we are one.” His approach to embracing even those out of sight was evident in his first steps.
The inauguration mass of the 267th Pope, Leo XIV, held at St. Peter’s Square on the 18th, became more lively as he circled the square and nearby streets in the Popemobile greeting the faithful.
The practice of the Pope touring the square began in earnest during Pope John Paul II. His predecessor, Pope Francis, was known to step off the Popemobile to bless the sick and kiss babies, an action that surprised security personnel. It was a testament to Pope Francis’s emphasis on direct communication with believers, showcasing his humble and down-to-earth style.
Pope Leo XIV did not step down from the Popemobile, but he greeted the believers with a smile and wave, and was seen lifting a baby. He also placed his hand on the heads of other believers for blessings. The square resounded with the shouts of “Viva il Papa!”
After more than 20 minutes of touring the square, Pope Leo XIV visited the tomb of St. Peter, the first pope, enshrined in the underground of St. Peter’s Basilica, before proceeding to the outdoor altar of the square where the inauguration mass was to be held.
The inauguration mass soon commenced. He donned the pallium, symbolizing papal authority, and wore the Fisherman’s Ring, announcing to the world the advent of the new Pope. The wool pallium signifies the Pope’s mission as the “Good Shepherd seeking the lost sheep,” and the Fisherman’s Ring symbolizes the papal role’s legitimacy as the successor of St. Peter.
Pope Leo XIV wore the pallium while standing and placed the Fisherman’s Ring on the ring finger of his right hand. There was thunderous applause and cheers for the official inauguration of the new Pope. However, his expression seemed far from one of joy or excitement.
After glancing at the hand adorned with the Fisherman’s Ring, he briefly looked up at the sky. Though it was a short moment, he appeared to deeply feel the weight and mission as the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.
Through his subsequent homily, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed his intention to carry on the legacy of Pope Francis and Leo XIV.
He expressed, “Today, we witness many conflicts and wounds caused by hatred, violence, fear of differences, and economic logics that exploit Earth’s resources and marginalize the poorest.”
He further appealed, stating, “In Christ, we are one,” and invited everyone to walk together to build a new world where peace reigns.
After the inauguration mass, he expressed gratitude to the national delegations present and mentioned his predecessor, Pope Francis. He said, “I could feel Pope Francis’s spiritual presence,” and affirmed, “He is with us from heaven, in paradise.”
Crowds had thronged the surroundings of the square from early dawn to witness the inauguration mass. With transportation restricted throughout the Vatican, large screens, temporary bathrooms, and guides were set up in each area. To commemorate the first American Pope, Leo XIV, stars and stripes were prominently displayed alongside the Peruvian flag, marking a significant day for Peruvians, as Pope Leo XIV had spent over 20 years in Peru as a missionary, fostering deep connections.
Peggy (75), draped with an American flag, said, “It was truly a beautiful mass,” expressing pride in the emergence of the first American Pope. She found witnessing this historical scene personally moving.
From Rhode Island, she added, “This was a trip to the Vatican planned a year and a half ago, originally intending to see Pope Francis,” and hoped, “Pope Leo XIV would be a remarkable Pope as memorable as Pope Francis.”
The crowd attending the inauguration mass was noticeably smaller compared to Pope Francis’s funeral mass last month, where every inch of Via della Conciliazione was packed. In contrast, the atmosphere this time was relatively more relaxed.