“Love and unity: these are the two dimensions of the mission entrusted to Peter by Jesus” said Pope Leo XIV during the Solemn Mass that officially marked the of start of his pontificate. Before two hundred thousand faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pontiff recalled the wounds of our time — hatred, violence, inequalities — urging the Church to be “leaven of communion and fraternity.”
More than 150 official delegations were present on the basilica’s forecourt for the solemn Mass inaugurating the Petrine ministry. The Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, accompanied by members of the Sovereign Council of the Order of Malta, attended the ceremony and, at the conclusion of the Mass, paid homage to the new Pontiff.
© Vatican Media/Stefano Carofei