By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
PRESIDENTS, POPES and pilgrims converged in St Peter’s Square on Sunday as the Vatican staged one of its most symbolic and tradition-laden events the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stood among dignitaries from across the world who witnessed the rise of the first American pope, a moment filled with both spiritual gravity and global political significance.
Fresh from his election on 8 May after a swift conclave, the 69-year-old Chicago-born pontiff—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost—assumed leadership of the Catholic Church, becoming its 267th pope.
President Tinubu shared a brief exchange with the new pope, shaking hands moments after the mass concluded.
Captured on video, the encounter took place during the pontiff’s greetings to assembled world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President J.D. Vance.
In his first homily as the Bishop of Rome, Leo XIV delivered a resounding appeal for global peace, environmental justice and defence of the poor, warning against the exploitation of nature and marginalisation of vulnerable communities.
Steeped in solemnity, the mass began with Leo descending to the tomb of Saint Peter beneath the basilica’s altar before receiving the pallium and the fisherman’s ring – both sacred emblems of his authority.
The ceremony followed centuries-old rites despite the absence of a coronation, discontinued since 1963.
Yet tradition was in full force, with the pope moving through cheering crowds in a white popemobile, blessing pilgrims and making the sign of the cross.
Rome was under high alert throughout the proceedings.
Thousands of Italian security officers, rooftop snipers, and anti-drone units-maintained vigilance as global dignitaries arrived.
Among those present were German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Though relatively unknown among many Catholics, Leo XIV has already made his principles clear.
In recent meetings with journalists, clergy and diplomats, he pressed for peace in a conflict-riddled world, reaffirmed Catholic values such as the sanctity of life and the family unit, and upheld social justice as a cornerstone of his papacy.
For some, the pope’s early message resonated deeply.
Inacia Lisboa, a 71-year-old pilgrim from Cape Verde, said she rose early to secure a place near the altar.
“He’s already entered my heart,” she said, hopeful that his prayers would usher in peace.
Leo XIV reportedly inherits a Church still wrestling with the consequences of clerical abuse scandals and challenged by a world evolving rapidly around it.
Yet he is said to have entered the papacy with a steady presence, cautious rhetoric and a clear direction rooted in both compassion and doctrine.
His past social media posts—now inaccessible—once criticised US migration policies and even Vice President Vance. But on Sunday, political differences yielded to sacred ceremony.
As Leo stood under the Roman sun, ring on hand and vestments fluttering in the breeze, he signalled the start of a new era—not just for the Church, but for a world in search of moral clarity.
