Pope Leo XIV Officially Takes Office as Pontiff

Pope Leo XIV officially took office as the Pontiff.

The Pope appeared before the faithful in St. Peter's Square and then entered St. Peter's Basilica accompanied by a procession of cardinals to receive the two symbols of the papacy. These include the golden fisherman's ring, named after St. Peter (the first Pope of Rome), and the woolen cape symbolizing the Pope's role as a shepherd, which is draped over his shoulders before the start of the Mass.

It is noteworthy that at least 250,000 pilgrims gathered to attend the ceremony, which was also attended by 156 foreign delegations and heads of state.