Paul Juma
On a clear and calm Roman sky yet another historical event takes place in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican where the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV is celebrated. This comes exactly ten days after his election by the cardinals -by the guidance of the Holy Spirit- on May 8th. 2025 as the next Pontif after the death of Pope Francis on May 21st 2025.
Pope Leo XIV officially began his Pontificate on Sunday May 18th 2025 in front of thousands of faithful from all walks of the world, heads of state, diplomats and leaders of every major faith tradition.
The liturgical procession was proceeded by the Pontif’s silent descent to the confession of St. Peter to pray to the Apostle’s tomb- a sign of unity of the new Bishop of Rome with the very first-Peter. This was initiated by St. Pope John Paul II. In a simple cream chasuble, the 69- year -old Pontif in solemn chants of Litany of Saints proceeded onto the Basilica’s Sagrato, flanked by cardinals and representatives of the Eastern Churches.
The Pontif was then presented the lamb’s-wool pallium, worn around the neck- a sign of a good shepherd and a lamb crucified, who unifies and the Fisherman Ring on his right- hand symbol of his responsibility as a shepherd and successor of Peter. A sign of peace and hope in the risen Christ.
Then the Gospel was read in two languages, first in Latin then in Greek as a sign of communion with other Churches and faithful. The Pontif’s homily which was delivered in Italian was centered on the Love of Christ, unity, peace and human dignity. The Pontif emphasized on the charity of Christ. Loving as Jesus did. A true living stone. The Holy Father who is an Augustinian quoted St. Augustine that, “the Church consists of those who are in harmony with one another.” And this is the “Missionary Spirit” we should embrace. The Pontif added.
Pope Leo XIV becomes the 276th Pope in the history of the Catholic Church and the world is looking at him amidst religious, social, ecological and political storms and challenges that encompass humanity especially in war-stricken countries like Myanmar, Ukraine and the Amazon basin.
Earlier at the intonation of Tu es Petrus as the Pontif circled St. Peter’s square saluting to the faithful, pilgrims chanted in Italian, Camminiamo insieme!- translated in English as: Let us walk together! The phrase lifted from his homily may well become an effigy of a Pontificate that opened- as it intends to live with simplicity, inclusivity and unity.
Acta Diurna 