Live Coverage of Pope Leo XIV’s Enthronement from the Vatican

Later today, Pope Leo will have a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirmed Vatican sources. Pope Leo, the first American pope, has previously committed to personally making “every possible effort” to help end the war. He also proposed the Vatican as a venue for peace negotiations.

Ursula von der Leyen shared her thoughts on her presence at Pope Leo’s enthronement, stating, “Since his election, His Holiness has carried a profound message of peace. Peace sustained through understanding and perseverance.” She emphasized that this message resonates globally and shared a tweet expressing hope for peace.

Pope Leo XIV called for building a world where peace reigns, welcoming the resumption of Russia-Ukraine negotiations. In his speech before St. Peter’s Basilica, amidst applause from the faithful, he urged everyone to work together—across religions, with those seeking God, women and men of good will—to create a new world of peace. He emphasized that this is the path we must follow, advocating for unity and hope for a just peace in the region.

Zelensky and J.D. Vance Face Off Again at the Vatican After White House Dispute

In a symbolic act of diplomatic reconciliation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance met for the first time since their recent clash at the White House. The meeting took place at the Vatican, where both leaders appeared smiling and exchanged handshakes, sending a message of unity and discreet cooperation.

The moment was particularly significant, as Senator Marco Rubio was also watching from behind, adding further political weight to the encounter. This event comes amid ongoing global tensions, with relations between major world powers and Ukraine remaining at the forefront of international political agendas.

Analysts consider this reunion an important signal that, despite disagreements and tensions, diplomacy and dialogue continue—especially in high-symbolism venues like the Vatican. Their presence at Pope Leo XIV’s historic inaugural Mass underscores the desire to maintain diplomatic ties in any circumstance.

This meeting reinforces the message that, despite challenges, the global community continues to seek ways to communicate and collaborate. The coming days will reveal how the relationships between these leaders evolve and what further messages will be sent on the international stage.

Pope Calls for Unity in His Speech and Condemns Religious Propaganda

In his address, the Pope did not forget Francis (“his death filled us with sadness”) and emphasized the need to remain “united,” while condemning “religious propaganda.”

“Brothers and sisters, I would like our first great desire to be for a united Church, a symbol of unity and communion, which becomes the leaven for a reconciled world,” he said in Italian.

“I would like that our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity & communion, which becomes leaven for a reconciled world,” Pope Leo XIV declared in his inaugural homily.

He also stated that the “apostolic work of Peter”—the disciple of Jesus, on whose tomb the Vatican is said to have been built—is characterized by “self-sacrificial love.” “Because the Church of Rome presides in love, and its true authority is the love of Christ, it is never about conquering others through violence, religious propaganda, or the means of power,” he added.

Furthermore, Leo criticized the global economic system, which he said “exploits the resources of the Earth and marginalizes the poorest.” He also warned about the concentration of power within the papacy, stating he will seek to govern “without ever succumbing to the temptation of becoming authoritarian.”

He concluded his speech by urging the faithful to remain “united as one people” and to “walk towards God and love one another.”

During the ceremony, the Gospel was read aloud in both Latin and Greek. Among the representatives of various faiths present at the Vatican—besides the Jewish community announced the day before—were Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs. This interfaith participation highlights the Vatican’s commitment to global religious dialogue. Before the presentation of the pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring, the Gospel was read in both Latin and Greek, emphasizing the universal nature of the event.

The Pope Receives the Pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring
Pope Leo XIV received the pallium, a woolen band symbolizing his role as a shepherd. The pallium was placed on his shoulders with three pins, representing the nails of Christ’s crucifixion. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the Cardinal proto-deacon, delivered the pallium to the new pontiff.

Following this, Pope Leo XIV was presented with the Fisherman’s Ring, named after Saint Peter, the first Pope, who was a fisherman. The ring is a gold band bearing the image of Saint Peter, along with the Pope’s name and seal. The Pope was visibly emotional as he received the ring from Cardinal Tagle, signifying his official authority and connection to the apostolic succession.

This historic moment marks the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, celebrated with solemnity and interfaith respect at the Vatican.

At St. Peter’s Basilica, with a procession moving to St. Peter’s Square. Prior to the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV prayed at the tomb of Saint Peter.

High-profile visitors included Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, along with other dignitaries such as the President of the Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. International leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska, and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, also attended the event.

Security is heightened, mirroring the arrangements for Pope Francis’ funeral, with thousands of police officers, volunteers, bomb disposal teams, snipers, and drone defenses deployed. The Pope arrived at St. Peter’s in an open papamobile, greeting crowds as he blessed two infants along the route.

The ceremony’s focal point is the presentation of the “Fisherman’s Ring” to Pope Leo XIV by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, symbolizing his link to Saint Peter and the apostolic mission. The event also includes the reading of Gospel passages in Greek, emphasizing the historical connection between Greek language and Christian tradition.

Approximately 250,000 faithful are expected to attend, along with around 200 international representatives, including the U.S. Vice President and Ukrainian President. The Vatican has set up large screens for public viewing.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, is 69 years old and the first American to become pope. A member of the Augustinian Order, he has served as a missionary in Peru and held various church leadership roles. Appointed in early 2025 by Pope Francis, he is known for his focus on environmental issues, social justice, and pastoral care, though he remains cautious regarding LGBT issues.

His past includes involvement in two sexual abuse cases involving clergy—one during his time as a provincial in Chicago and another as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2022—though he followed canonical procedures. Recent allegations in May 2025 suggest the church paid $150,000 to silence victims, raising questions about possible cover-ups.