Kings, queens, politicians and everyday Catholics gather for Pope Leo's formal installation ceremony
Tens of thousands of people joined presidents, patriarchs and princes for the formal installation ceremony of history's first American pope, Pope Leo XIV.
The bells of St Peter’s Basilica tolled as Leo waved from the back of the open-topped truck that looped slowly through the square and then up and down the boulevard to it.
The crowd cheered “Viva il Papa” and waved plenty of Peruvian, American and Holy See flags — representing Leo's nationalities — mixed in with flags of other nations, banners and umbrellas to shield pilgrims from the springtime sun.
A man waves a US flag.
US Vice President JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, paid his respects at the Argentine pope's tomb upon arriving in Rome late on Saturday and was heading the US delegation honouring the Chicago-born Leo.
Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrive.
US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance are greeted as they arrive.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, wearing an Akubra-style hat and a suit.
Leo — a 69-year-old Augustinian missionary elected May 8 after a 24-hour conclave who appears a bit more timid than Francis — smiled and waved from the truck as security guards jogged alongside.
Pope Leo XIV holds a baby as he arrives ahead of the Inauguration Mass.
Strict diplomatic protocol dictates the seating arrangements, with both the United States and Peru getting front-row seats thanks to Leo’s dual citizenship.
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