Pope Leo XIV celebrates inaugural mass

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, is celebrating his inaugural Mass at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. This significant event marks the official commencement of his papacy as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
As the first U.S.-born pope, Leo XIV's election has been hailed as a historic moment for the Church. During the Mass, he will receive the ceremonial Ring of the Fisherman and the Petrine Pallium, symbols of his authority and responsibility as the spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.