Pope Leo XIV commenced his Petrine Ministry on May 18 with a deeply symbolic and solemn liturgy at St. Peter’s Basilica and Square. This inaugural ceremony, known as the Rite of Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry, underscores the Pope’s succession from the Apostle Peter and highlights his mission as the shepherd of the universal Church. The event was marked by ancient traditions and powerful symbols: the Pallium and the Ring of the Fisherman—two insignia that affirm the Pope’s pastoral and spiritual authority.
The Pallium, crafted from lamb’s wool, evokes the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd and reminds the faithful of Peter’s mandate to “feed My sheep.” Draped over Pope Leo XIV’s shoulders, it features six black crosses and two pendants, and is pinned with three aciculae, representing the nails of Christ’s crucifixion. The Ring of the Fisherman, a traditional papal signet ring, signifies Peter’s calling as a fisherman of men and his mission to seal the faith.
The rite began with a moment of profound reflection at the Tomb of Saint Peter, located beneath the basilica. Pope Leo XIV, accompanied by Eastern Church Patriarchs, prayed at the sacred site, offering incense in honor of Peter’s martyrdom and his foundational role in the Church. From there, deacons carried the Pallium, the Ring of the Fisherman, and the Book of the Gospels in a solemn procession to the main altar in St. Peter’s Square.
As the procession unfolded, the Laudes Regiae hymn echoed across the square, invoking the prayers of saints and martyrs. A grand tapestry depicting the miraculous catch of fish—symbolic of Peter’s encounter with Christ—hung from the Basilica’s central balcony, reinforcing the Gospel theme of pastoral mission. The image of Our Lady of Good Counsel from Genazzano graced the sanctuary, linking Marian devotion to the event.
The Eucharistic celebration included a Liturgy of the Word rich in Petrine imagery. The first reading from Acts portrayed Peter as a bold proclaimer of Christ, while the psalm and second reading emphasized the foundational role of Christ as the rejected cornerstone. The Gospel reading from John, in Latin and Greek, recalled Jesus’ charge to Peter to “feed My sheep,” affirming his unique leadership among the Apostles.
During the conferral of the Petrine insignia, three Cardinals from different continents symbolically placed the Pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring on Pope Leo XIV. Each offered prayers for divine guidance, acknowledging his responsibility to shepherd the global Church in unity and truth. A solemn prayer to the Holy Spirit followed, asking for the Pope’s strength and gentleness in ministry.
In the rite of obedience, twelve individuals representing the diverse People of God pledged their loyalty to the new Pontiff, underscoring the universality of the Church. The Pope then delivered his homily, followed by the recitation of the Creed and intercessory prayers in various world languages, reflecting the Church’s global presence.
The Eucharistic liturgy reached its high point with Pope Leo XIV praying the Roman Canon, invoking God’s grace upon the Church and his own ministry. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Pope offered a brief address and the Regina Caeli was sung. His final blessing, rich in biblical imagery of the vine and vineyard, asked the Lord to protect and sustain the Church and her people.
The entire liturgy reflected the depth of tradition, the continuity of apostolic succession, and the universal mission of the Pope as the successor of Peter. With this profound ceremony, Pope Leo XIV embarks on his journey as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.