Pope Leo XIV celebrated a lavish liturgy in St. Peter’s Square to begin his papacy. He received the Palio, a shoulder-worn adornment that represents the Pope’s power over the Church, at this occasion.
He was also given the Fisherman’s Ring, which represents the position of “fisher of men.”
His papacy thus starts with a great deal of expectation, as many believe he will carry on Francis’s legacy of creating a Church that is more approachable and accessible to youth.
But we won’t be able to see how his leadership develops for some months. Much attention has been paid to the second Pope to arrive from the American continent.
Leo XIV made it apparent from his first moments as Pope that he had a deep connection to Latin America, even though he was born in Chicago, Illinois.
He also wrote a message in Spanish, specifically thanking the people of Chiclayo, Peru, where he lived for a number of years.
