Today at 01:03
The new Pope Leo XIV has officially assumed the office of Pontiff. Today, May 18, a solemn ceremony of the papal enthronement took place at the Vatican, reported the anchor of the FREEДОМ TV channel from the scene.
During the inaugural Mass, Leo XIV was presented with the symbols of papal authority: the pallium made of lamb’s wool and the Fisherman’s ring, which jewelers craft individually for each Pontiff.
“The ceremony of the enthronement of Pope Leo XIV has just concluded. The Pope is delivering his first official sermon as Pontiff, in which he primarily thanks those who have come here, the pilgrims. The year 2025 is an anniversary year in the Church, which makes Rome a particularly popular pilgrimage destination for the faithful. He also thanks all the heads of state who have arrived in the Vatican,” the anchor said.
The enthronement ceremony itself lasted only 15 minutes. After readings from the Bible and various texts from the Holy Scripture, three cardinals representing the College of Electors placed the woolen pallium on the Pope’s shoulders—known in the Orthodox tradition as the omophorion. The cardinals also prayed for his future pontificate and presented Leo XIV with the Fisherman’s ring, symbolizing the Pope’s authority.
“The Gospel was read in two languages: Latin and Greek. Additionally, one reading was in Spanish and another in English, emphasizing the Pope’s origins,” explained Aimurzaev.
According to him, representatives of Orthodox churches were also present at the ceremony. In total, 38 delegations from various Christian denominations attended.
“These include Protestants and various Protestant movements that sent their representatives. Thirteen rabbis and representatives of Jewish communities were also present alongside the Pope on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica,” the anchor noted.
He also reminded that over 150 international political delegations, including heads of state and royalty, had arrived for the ceremony.
“Present were Prince Edward from the United Kingdom, King Philip, the Spanish Dukes, representatives of the royal families of Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Belgium, presidents, including Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy with his wife, as well as prime ministers and representatives from many different countries,” the speaker said.
There was some intrigue over whether Putin would send a representative to the festive event. From Russia, Minister of Culture Lyubimova arrived in the Vatican; she also attended the funeral of Pope Francis.
“After the sermon, which usually lasts quite a while during such Masses—this is not a short address, the Pope will speak for up to 20 minutes—the service will continue, concluding approximately two hours later with a reception the Pope will hold for the heads of state who have come here,” said Saken Aimurzaev.
As previously reported, before the enthronement ceremony, the new Pope Leo XIV toured the square in a white open car, greeting the thousands of gathered faithful.
Recall that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Pope Leo XIV on May 12.
