'You are Peter': Pope LEO XIV's Inauguration of Ministry & Installation as Bishop of Rome

Shortly before the Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry at 10:00'am, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was seen entering St. Peter's Square on a Popemobile for the first time. It was The Fifth Sunday of Easter, 18th May of The Holy Jubilee Year 2025. The first Pope born in the US, post-War, was solemnly inaugurated as Supreme Pontiff during an Eucharist Mass he presided in front of 200,000 pilgrims, including 30 heads of state and almost a thousand of religious figures. His Holiness, a naturalized Peruvian Citizen who served there as an Augustinian missionary & then Bishop for a good part of our century, was proclaimed "Shepherd of The Sheep" as he received his Piscatory Ring & the Pallium - the episcopal insignia of the Successor of Peter - ten days after he was elected to succeed the late Pope Francis as Head of The Roman Catholic Church and Sovereign of The Holy See. In his homily, Leo XIV proclaimed his vision of a missionary Church, united by God's "infinite and unconditional" love, mentioning his Papal Motto 'in the one Christ, we are one'. The Holy Father declared that he is "a Christian with You, a Bishop For You" and "Roman" before he was formally installed as 267th Bishop of Rome in The Eternal City's Archbasilica of Saint John The Lateran, as part of having taken possession of the rest of four Papal Basilicas (starting with Saint Peter's on May 18) on May 20 and 25, 2025.

The eucharistic celebration of The Inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV Petrine Ministry began at 10:00am (Sunday, 18 May 2025), inside St. Peter's Basilica. His Holiness descended to the Tomb of Saint Peter beneath the Altar, and paused in prayer for the Apostle, considered as the founding Pope of The Roman Church. The choir sang the Latin hymn "Tu est Petrus" ("You are Peter"). The Holy Father touched the trophaeum (the martyred Apostle's memorial mark) as two deacons took the Pallium - a woolen white strip, embroidened with six black crosses - the fisherman's ring and the Book of The Gospels. The Pallium represents the Savior, who encounters the humans like lost sheep (evoking the image of The Good Shepherd). It is a liturgical vestment, worn on the pontiff's shoulders - as symbol of pastoral responsibility towards the 1.4 billion of global Catholics - and held in place by three pins. The fisherman's ring, that in the past included the bull (seal), is the symbol of papal authority; a gold signet, depicting St. Peter ('the fisherman') outside, and the current Pope's name & coat-of-arms inside. Then, The Bishop of Rome, accompanied by Patriarchs of the Eastern Churches, ascended back to St. Peter's Basilica, and joined the 200 (attending) Cardinals in procession to St. Peter's Square. Pope Leo walked assisted by the papal ferula ('rod') of Pope Paul VI, which was commonly used by Pope-Saint John Paul II. This was a special nod to the Polish Pope, whose 105th birth anniversary was also on May 18 (2025).

The procession was accompanied by the singing of the ancient Latin hymn "Laudes Regiae", honoring Christ's triumph, while an extensive Litany of Saints was being recited. Seen from the parvise of Saint Peter's Square was a Flemish tapestry by Raphael, hanging from the central gate of The Basilica and a Holy icon of Our Lady..., placed next to the (errected) Altar. The tapestry portrayed the Dialogue between Jesus and Peter - a central theme in the Liturgy of the World - depicting the miraculous catch of fish by Apostle Peter (hence his calling: 'fisher of the men'). The image of Our Lady of Good Counsel is from the Marian Shrine of Genazzano (which has long been under the protection of the Augustine Order). People gathered thriughout The Square broke to applauses and cheers "Viva il Papa!" ('Long Live The Pope!) as Leo appeared, just as they had less than an hour before, when he was seen riding the Popemobile. From the right side of The Altar, more than 750 bishops and deacons sat, plus the Cardinals and other religious leaders. On the left, official delegations of State leaders and their representatives. They included: Two Kings, Three Queens, The Sovereign Couples of Luxembourg, Monaco, Hereditary Couple of Liechtenstein, Crown Princess of Sweden, and The outgoing (& incoming) Episcopal Co-Prince of Andorra. The Queens of Belgium and Spain, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg & Princess of Monaco were all dressed in white, excersizing the Privilege du Blanc ('Privilege of the White'), the customary right of all Catholic Royal Consorts to not wear a black attire in presence of The Pope (as the tradition holds for other women).

Pope Leo XIV blessed the altar and poured on holy water, a rite followed during Eastern Season. Then the Gloria and the Collect were sung, reflecting The Father's plan to build His Church upon Peter. The Liturgy of The World began afterwards. A reading by The Acts of Apostles, proclaiming that Christ was rejected by builders as a 'stone' (petra in greek) was read in Spanish, with a response that the rejected stone became "a cornerstone" (for the building of the Church) in Italian. The Second reading in Spanish from The First Letter of Peter underscored the connection between The Apostle, The Church of Rome, and Ministry of his Successor(s). A passage from John of The Gospel was then proclaimed in both Latin and Greek (a nod to the Eastern Catholic tradition). It recounted Jesus' unique designation to Peter among The 12 Apostles (to "feed My lambs", "tend My sheep"). The proclamation of The Gospel was followed by the Conferral of The Petrine Episcopal Insignia to The Supreme Pontiff. Three Cardinals from different orders & representing different continents, approached The Holy Father one after another. First Cardinal-deacon Mario Zenari (the Italian apostolic nuncio to Syria) imposed the Pallium on The Pope's shoulders. Then Cardinal-priest Fridolin Ambongo (Archbishop of Kinshasa, in Democratic Republic of Congo) recited a prayer asked for God's blessing to the new roman pontiff. Last but not least, Cardinal-bishop Luis Antonio Tagle (Filipino pro-prefect of the Dicastery for the Evangelization of Peoples), came over and bestowed The Vicar of Christ with the Piscatory, fisherman's Ring of his Reign. The new Papacy was formally launched, The Sovereign of The Holy See had been Inaugurated.

 

After a moment of prayer to The Holy Spirit, The newly-installed Head of The Roman Catholic Church took the Book of the Gospels, and blessed the assembled making a sign of The Cross. An acclamation in Latin and Greek was made, reciting: "Ad multos annos, Domine" ("Many years to you, Lord"). The pope was left visibly moved, and a spontaneous applause broke out amongst the congregation. Following was the rite of obedience: twelve people; including the senior Cardinals from three orders (who had just conferred the episcopal insignia to the pope), two superior generals (one male & one female), and two married couples - symbolizing the breadth and unity of the Catholic community from around the world - and young people; paid hommage to His Holiness, symbolizing a gesture of filial obedience. The choir sang once again 'Tu est Petrus' and The Bishop of Rome began his homily. The Holy Father greeted everyone - including delegations of Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Zoroastrian and Jainist denominations - in attendance, and quoted Saint Augustine addressing God's Love and saying that "our heart is restless until it rests in you".

The Holy Father initially referred to the death of Pope Francis after his final Blessing on Easter Sunday, leaving the faithful like "sheep without a shepherd". He reiterated however, with "eyes of faith, hope & joy" to remember that "God never abandons us" and thus expressed graditude to everyone who accompanied the College of Cardinals with prayer during The Papal conclave, where he said they felt in harmony with The Holy Spirit, "like musical instruments" with their headstrings vibrating a single melody. On his election, Leo said that he was chosen "without any merit of my own", and that he now comes as a brother "with fear and trembling", deciding to serve your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God's love" ... "united in one family". He then stressed on love and unity as the leading elements entrusted to Peter by Jesus. His Holiness explained that Peter's experience of "infinite and unconditional love of God" enabled him to fullfil his mission, and that the disciples may be "fishers of men" to continue this mission, bring "the hope of Gospel" so that all people can experience "God's embrace". The Pope additionally focused on a "self-sacrificing love" by the example of Saint Peter, who was entrusted with "loving more", ready to give "his life for the flock". That kind of bond he connected with The Ministry of Peter, and the charity of Christ & The Church of Rome, which should never be "a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda, or by means of power" but rather of love in Jesus' example. That said, The Supreme Pontiff expressed his hope for a "united Church, a sign of unity and communion" ... "a leaven for a reconciled world". And mentioning the current inbalanced reality, The Holy Father called upon everyone to come closer to Christ, and help the Church not close to itself in small groups or superiority illusions by promoting a missionary & inclusive spirit. He quoted his predecessor, Leo XIII, asking if this were to happen, wouldn't every conflict cease and peace return?

Pope Leo XIV finished his inaugural homily by proclaiming this as "the hour of love", The heart of the Gospel & Love of God making "us brothers and sisters", and called upon everyone to "walk towards God and love one another". A prolonged moment of silence followed as the 69-year-old Holy Pontiff's reflections still echoed in everyone's ears. The 'Creed' psalm was sung in Latin, followed by a Universal prayer (of The Faithful), recited in intersections in: Portuguese, French, Arabic, Polish and Chinese (for The Roman Pontiff, his ministry, those in positions of authority, those suffering & gathered assembly). The Offectory then chanted "Tu est pastor ovium" ("You are The Shepherd of the sheep"), highlighting the authority given to Peter (& his 266 Successors) by Christ. His Holiness prayed the First (& longest of the four) Eucharistic Prayer(s) - of The Roman Canon - using a chalice and paten of his namesake predecessor Leo XIII (pope: 1878-1903). The Holy Communion was then distributed (followed by prayers for the 'fruits of redemption' and the unity & charity of Church, the protection of its Head & his flock). Following The Communion rite, The Holy Father implied a brief, personal address to "dear brothers and sisters", thanking them to the faith, recalling those suffering in conflict zones (in Ukraine, Myanmar & Gaza), imploring Pope Francis' 'spiritual presence' and calling for the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel in the name of 'Risen Christ'. Regina caeli - a paschal hymn dedicated to the Marian month - was sung, and a final solemn blessing, imbuing the Lord's Blessing of The Church (as vine in His planted vineyard), was imparted by The Roman Pontiff. HH Pope Leo XIV then enterred St. Peter's Basilica to personally receive congratulations from the official guests of 150 foreign delegations.

In the week following The Inauguration of his Ministry as Supreme Pontiff within Vatican City State (& its Basilica of Saint Peter), Pope Leo XIV completed his inaugural events as Bishop of Rome in the Eternal City's other three Papal Basilicas. He visited The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls on Tuesday 20th May 2025, venerated The Apostle's Throphaeum & prayed in front of his Tomb, before formally taking his seat on its Episcopal throne. The Sovereign of The Holy See was accompanied by a procession of Benedictine monks, affiliated to the Basilica & in his homily quoted Pope Benedict XVI preaching about "God's loving plan" for Salvation. On Sunday, 25th May 2025, The Holy Father took possession of the remaining two Basilicas in Rome. On his way to The Cathedral, he stopped in front of The Capitoline (City Hall) where he was formally welcomed by The Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri and declared that: "for you and with you (the people) I am Roman!". At 17:00' His Holiness celebrated his Inaugural Mass at The Archbasilica of Saint John The Lateran, where he was formally enthroned as Head of the City's Episcopal Diocese. At his homily he quoted both Saint Augustine ("a Christian with You and a bishop For you") & Blessed Pope John Paul I (the short-served "smiling Pope"), who had himself paraphrased a pledge of Saint Pius X to The Venetians; assuring he loved them & will devote "the little I have and am, at the service of all". Finally, The 267th Bishop of Rome visited The Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in a popemobile procession through the streets of Rome & greeting The Faithful from the Loggias of both Temples. There at 7:30'pm The Pope celebrated another mass, while offering a floral tribute to The Holy Icon of "Salus Populi Romani" & praying on the tomb of his late Predecessor

On Saturday, May 31 (2025) on The Feast of The Visitation of Virgin Mary, HH Pope Leo XIV presided over a mass of presbyterian ordination in St. Peter's Basilica, creating 11 Priests of The Holy Roman Church.

Following a strumbling period of its Apostolic Succession, The Holy See of The Roman Catholic Church had finally been cemented under a new leadership. As it went through an extraordinary post-Eastern Season, The Archdiocese of The City of Rome Installed its duly elected Bishop throughout The Marian Month (of May, dedicated to The Virgin Mary - under whose wings Pope Francis is laid to Rest) turning The period prior to Pentecost (50-days after Easter) into a Special time for Devotion, Prayer and Renewal. Once formally Ascended to the humblest & yet most influential Christian Ministry on Earth, American, Augustinian, Missionary - Pope Leo XIV will lead The Holy Roman Church & its millions-strong Global flock throughout The Jubilee Year of Hope and beyond after he closes The Holy Gates left open by His Immediate Predecessor in The Basilicas he has now taken possession of. Viva il Papa!

Videos:

Sources:

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HABEMUS PAPAM: From The Conclave of 2025 to 'a POPE from two worlds'

 At 18:07' , Roman Time, of Thursday, May 8, 2025, White Smoke emerged from the Chimney of Sistine Chapel, clearly visible from St. Peter's Square. This was the sign the whole world waited for. A new Pope had been elected! The 266th Successor of St. Peter was finally there, after two days and four ballots of The Papal Conclave. A new Bishop of Rome, Vicar of The Christ, Fisher of The Men, Sovereign of The Holy See was in charge after seventeen days of Sede Vacante, following the Death of The Holy Father Francis (on Easter Monday, April 21, of The Holy Jubilee Year 2025). People from all walks of life gathered at St. Peter's Square to catch a glimpse of the moment in History. Giant Screens made the central pictures clear, as members of The Swiss Guard, Vatican's Gendarmarie Corps, alongside The Italian Army & Carabinieri marched their way through the Square, forming up honor guards beneath the Central Loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. It was there, at 19:13', where The Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti appeared to read out the much anticipated announcement: Habemus Papam! We have a Pope! And amid cheerings of joy, the name of The elected: Robert Francis, Cardinal of The Holy Roman Church Prevost; who took The Papal name of: LEO XIV. Ten minutes later (19:23') the new - 267th - Pontiff will appear at The Loggia for the first time, ushering The world's only Pastoral, elective Monarchy, into a new Era!

Preparations for the Papal Conclave begun almost immediately upon the late Pope's death. On April 23 it was announced that The Sistine Chapel (a part of the Vatican Museums) will be closed to the public from April 28, to adjust the venue (which is the polling place), as well as Domus Sanctae Marthae (the guesthouse), which members of Pope Francis' staff were required to vacate on April 22. Both buildings were jammered from any possible signals from inside & outside, while Chapel itself - its ceiling facing Michelangelo's famous fresco "The Last Judgement" - was layered with protective wooden floor, with choir stalls like tables & chairs were adjusted, and a ballot-burning stove and chimney installed by the firefighters' brigade on May 2. Out of the 251 persons, forming up The College of Cardinals, 133 were (under the age of 80) eligible to elect - or be elected as - the new Pope. Although the current Apostolic Constitution, Universi Dominici Gregis, allows up to 120 Cardinals to vote in each Conclave (par. 33), its paragraph 36 does not bar the Cardinals, exceeding the set limit from the right to elect The Roman Pontiff, "from the moment of their creation and publication". Thus, while Pope Francis exceeded the said limit in each of his ten consistories, creating new Cardinals, the latter acknowledged the right of all 133 Cardinal electors to participate in the Conclave, making this election the highest in number of participants ever recorded. Only one Cardinal elector was considered ineligible due to restrictions placed by Pope Francis (Giovanni Angelo Becciu voluntarily withdrew on April 29) and two didn't take part for health reasons.

In the lead up to the proceedings, The College of Cardinals made the arrangements through regular meetings. General Congregations of all Cardinals (regardless their electoral status) arriving in Rome, took place almost daily to allow members of this diverse body (spanning through six continents) to meet each other and discuss the most important matters of The Catholic Church, one among whom would be chosen to lead. They took place at the New Synod Hall of Sistine Chapel, on a daily basis from 22 April to 6 May - apart from April 26-27, and May 1 & 4. The first four focused on the late Pontiff's funeral & burial arrangements, as well as the schedule of Masses for Novemdiales, The nine days of Religious Mourning (from April 26 to May 4). The fifth congregation (April 28) decided May 7 as the starting date of The Conclave, and discussions gradually switched to topics, currently challenging The Roman Curia & Holy Church's role in the world (such as evangelization, ecumenism, communion & the sexual abuse crises). The latter congregations were guided by personal reflections of selected senior Cardinals, who paved the way to subjects' discussions through formal remarks, known as "interventions", while tet-a-tet, impromptu discussions among individual Cardinals - known as pratiche (exercises) - were also taking place in the meantime. All 133 Cardinal-electors took part in the tenth General Congregation on May 5, and the 11th (held later the same day) focused on topics shaped by Francis' papacy, including migration, synodality & unity). The 12th and last general congregation on May 6, saw Pope Francis' fisherman's ring & seal be nulled; the last duty of The Cardinal Camerlengo (Kevin Farell) as acting Co-Head of The Church during the Vacancy of The Holy See.

The Papal Conclave of 2025 to elect the 267th Head of The Roman Catholic Church began on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of The College of Cardinals, presided over the Mass pro eligendo Pontifice ('for The election of The Pontiff') at 10:00am, at St. Peter's Basilica. The Conclave officially began at 4:30pm, with a Service at Pauline Chapel; The Cardinals-electors then proceeded through Sala Regia (within The Apostolic Palace), entered the neighboring Sistine Chapel, and the hymn Veni Creator Spiritus ("Come, Creator Spirit") was sung. Then came the time for the The Cardinal-electors to swear themselves to secrecy. Each of the 133 potential successors of St. Peter placed his hand to the Book of Gospels and read aloud the following words in Latin: "Et ego spondeo, voveo ac iuro. Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec Sancta Dei Evangelia, quae manu mea tango" ( And I [full name of The Cardinal] promise, commit myself and swear it, so help me God and these Holy Gospels, which I touch with my hand). All conclave officials & support staff - including: sacristans, medical staff, elevator operators, cooks, and the director of Vatican's security services - who had to inevitably stay with the Cardinals throughout The Conclave, had taken their secrecy oaths on May 5. As the electorate took their seats, The Master of The Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies, Diego Ravelli exclaimed: "Extra omnes!" (Everyone, Out!) calling for all the non-participants in the ballot to leave The Sistine Chapel. He closed its guarded doors at 5:46'pm, locking the electors 'cum clave' (with a key).

The first, single ballot of The 2025 Papal Conclave ended at 21:00', without producing a new Pope. Before the ballot Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa delivered his reflections to the Cardinals, which reportedly lasted for over an hour. Then The Cardinals, after declining to postpone the first ballot (which they could do) wrote the name of their preferred candidate on the ballot paper, bellow the latin words: "Eligo in summum Pontificem" ('I elect as Supreme Pontiff'). They submitted the ballot saying: "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me eum eligere, quem secundum Deum iudico elige debere" ('I call as my wittness Christ The Lord, who is to judge me, that I choose him whom according to God I judge ought to be elected'). After the results had been carefully read out, recorded & scrutinized, the ballots were stitched together with a needle & red thread and burned alongside cartridges containing potassium, perchlorate, anthracene (a component of coal tar) & sulfur, which produced black smoke (fumata nera). On the second day of the Conclave, Thursday, May 8, two consecutive votes were planned for the morning/noon and afternoon/evening. The second and the third voting concluded at approximately 10:30' & 11:45'am - their ballots were burned together, producing black smoke; which appeared from The Sistine Chapel's Chimney at 11:51'. After a lunch break, The Cardinals returned to vote for the fourth round, the leading Candidate required a two-third (or 89 votes) majority to be elected Pope. At 18:07', white smoke (fumata bianca) - a mixture of the burning ballots with potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin - appeared from The Chimney of Capella Sistina, and The Bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang in a festive tone for the first time in eighteen days. The Papal Conclave had been concluded (on its second day), as was the seventeen-day Vacancy of The Holy See.

40,000 people were waiting at St. Peter's Square when the white smoke appeared; 150,000 had gathered by the time The Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti formally spoke to the world the following words: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!" ("I announce you a great joy: We have a Pope!"). "Emminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Robertum Franciscum, Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Prevost; qui sibi nomen imposuit: LEONEM XIV" ("His Eminence, The Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis, Cardinal of The Holy Roman Church Prevost; who has taken the name: LEO XIV). Cardinal Prevost - the US-born Prefect of The Dicastery of Bishops was reportedly the front-runner from ballot one, even though he was considered a dark horse in comparison to the more Papabili Cardidates by the leading media & analyst. After receiving an over 100 of votes on the decisive, fourth ballot, he was asked by Cardinal Pietro Parolin (on hehalf of The Dean and Sub-Dean of The College of Cardinals, inelligible to participate in the Conclave due to their ages): "Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in summum pontificem?" (Do you accept your election according to the rules as Supreme Pontiff?). After his acceptance, Parolin (who had endorsed Prevost by withdrawing his strong candidacy after the third ballot) asked the newly elected Pope one more question: "Quo nomine vis vocari?" (By what name do you wish to be called?). Following that the formal document of the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost  & his ascension to The Petrine Ministry as Pope Leo XIV was signed; and the new Pontiff went to the Room of Tears, to dress himself in the Papal regalia he wished to use in his first appearance. Once in his formal attire, The Holy Father embraced his fellow Cardinal-electors one-by-one and briefly paused at the chapel for a personal prayer.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appeared for the first time at The Central Loggia of The Balcony of The Apostolic Palace at 7:23'pm of Thursday, 8th May 2025; shortly after his election as new Head of The Roman Catholic Church. He proceeded after the Crussifix, wearing a full set of papal regalia including the red stole and mozzetta (which weren't worn together at a Pope's first appearance since that of Benedict XVI in 2005). His Pectoral Cross was a gift from when he became a Cardinal by The Postulator General of The Augustinian Order (to which he belongs); while The Regalia, displayed on a banner beneath the loggia belonged to his late predecessor. A smiling & moved new Holy Father addressed the enthusiastic crowds by wishing Peace to all of them. An "unarmed and disarming" peace, coming from the God who "loves us all, unconditionally". He spoke about The "peace of The risen Christ", referencing to the last blessing of the late Pope Francis, on Easter Day; mentioned that Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to God' love. He then thanked Pope Francis & his brother Cardinals for chosing him as the next Successor of Peter; and called everyone to walk together as "a Church united, ever pursuing peace and justice"... "a missionary church". Refering his religious Order, of Saint Augustine, The Holy Father repeated his words: "With you I am a Christian, and for you I am a bishop". His Holiness then switched to Spanish, to particularly greet his Diocess of Chiclayo, in Peru; before returning to Italian, to talk about a "synodal Church, a Church that moves forward", always seeking peace, charity & closeness to those suffering. The 267th Bishop of Rome ended his address - so similar in tone and messages to that of his late predecessor - with a prayer to "Our Mother Mary", delivering an 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing to the City of Rome and the whole World. 

Pope Leo XIV came to the top stage quite recently. Pope Francis apointed Prevost to lead the dicastery of Bishops (in charge for promotion and selection of Catholic bishops) only in January 2023, creating him a Cardinal in the Consistory of September 30 (2023). Before that, Robert Francis Prevost was Bishop of Chiclayo in distant Peru (from 2015 to 2023). Born on 14 September 1955 and raised in Chicago, The United States, Prevost studied Mathematics & Philosophy, and attended an Augustinian seminary, before joining the Order in 1977. He received his theological education in Chicago, made solemn vows in 1981, and was Ordained priest the following year in Rome, where he studied Canon Law. After obtaining his licentiate, Prevost was sent as a missionary to Chulucanas in Piura, Peru in 1985, where he prepared his doctoral thesis on "The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine" (defented in 1987). Based in the Augustinian Province of "Mother of Good Council" in Illinois, Prevost returned to Peru as a Missionary from 1988 to 1999, raising in ranks as a member of his order, but retaining humble backgrounds, and staying closely to the people in poor suburbs. From 2001 to 2013 he was elected as Prior General of the Order o St. Augustine, serving as head of The Augustinians for two consecutive terms. In 2014 he was appointed  Apostolic Administrator of the Peruvian Diocese of Chiclayo, and then Bishop in 2015. According to the relevant bilateral agreement of The US and Peru, Prevost became a Peruvian citizen through naturalization, upon his appointment at Bishop of Chiclayo. He learned profecient Spanish in the 1980s, also practicing an indegenous Peruvian language.

Following his election as Supreme Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV's Inaugural acts of Petrine Ministry were announced. On the morning after his election, Friday 9 May (2025) Leo celebrated a Mass at Sistine Chapel, with the Cardinals, who had elected him as Successor of Peter there hours earlier. He gave first remarks in English, calling upon his 'brothers' "to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ". On Saturday, May 10, The Supreme Pontiff met with the entire College of Cardinals in the Synod Hall, extending his call for The Church to effectively respond to the challenges, arrised by digital revolution. He also commemorated his late predecessors; Pope Francis' simplicity & radical dedication to service - whose 'peaceful' return to The House of Lord he called as 'a Paschal event'; Leo XIII's Encyclical 'Rerum Novarum' - addressing the social question in the context of the first industrial revolition - ; and St. Paul VI's "prayer & commitment". His Holiness visited his predecessors' graves the following day, Sunday, 11 May 2025; that morning he celebrated a private mass at Vatican Grottoes, calling for the faithful to 'listen without jidging'. He later presided over his Papacy's first Regina caeli Sunday service from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, overlooking St. Peter's Square; The Holy Father delivered that Day's Prayer for Vocations, preached the Good Shepherd's Sunday, and called upon the faithful to 'live a life in service', 'walk in love and truth', 'help one another' and not to be afraid. The Pontiff also called for all conflicts to cease, and wished a 'Happy Mother's Day' to all mothers out there. He later broke the Seals of The Papal apartments, accompanied by Cardinals Pietro Parolin & Kevin Farell (the Camerlengo). Unlike Pope Francis, Leo XIV will reportedly opt for the Apostolic Palace as his official residence.

At his first meeting with representatives of The Press, The Holy Father thanked them 'for their service to the truth', especially marked during the recent period of interregnum, urging them to 'foster peace' through a way, "disarming words". Does this statement contain a political message? Or it rather shows a discreet understanding on the new Pontiff's views? Those who considered Prevost as a serious candidate to the Papacy viewed him as a 'dignified middle ground' between Franciscans & ultra conservatives. His views on the governance of the Church are traditional: he opposes controversial practices, such as: abortion, euthanasia, death penalty or same-sex marriage. At the same time, he expressed his oppeness to the role of women inside the Church and to Pope Francis' initiative for Synodality (he took part in the namesake Synod in 2023-24). Politically, however, Prevost had a clear position on subjects such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine (differentiated from his predecessor), The US' administration's migration policies (he was critical of them) and social justice (he sympathised with BLM Protests). An American by origin, but a Peruvian by naturalization, Leo XIV, is indeed 'a Pope from two worlds'. Raised by charitable beliefs, and living a life of a humble missionary, close to the underprevileged. His Regnal name was chosen after Leo XIII (r. 1878-1903), The first Pope who adressed 'worker's rights' in rerum novarum, created to confront the challenges of industrial revolution. For Leo XIV the "new industrial revolution" pauses serious challenges through the over-development of AI, which he believes should not replace humans. A socially sensible, kind hearted, and practically conservative; Pope Leo XIV's option for "impeccable dressing" could be reflected on both his first appearance as Bishop of Rome, and at the masses leading up to his Papal Inauguration on May 18 (during which he wore the papal ferula, that was broadly used by Pope-Saint John-Paul II). Aged 69, he is the first Pontiff born after World War II.

Videos:

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