Historic Moment in Vatican as Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff, Officially Installed

A monumental chapter in the history of the Catholic Church was written on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV, the first American ever elected to the papacy, was officially installed during a solemn and historic ceremony at the Vatican. The newly elected Pope, formerly Cardinal James O’Malley of Boston, made his first public appearance as Supreme Pontiff in St. Peter’s Square, drawing a crowd of tens of thousands of faithful pilgrims, dignitaries, clergy, and global spectators. Riding through the square in the traditional white popemobile, Pope Leo XIV greeted onlookers with warm waves and blessings, visibly moved by the immense outpouring of support and devotion. The inauguration mass, held beneath the majestic façade of St. Peter’s Basilica, was attended by cardinals from across the globe, international leaders, representatives of various faiths, and a sea of believers. Vatican officials confirmed it as one of the most attended papal installations in recent decades, underscoring the histo...