Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world gathered this morning in St. Peter’s Square to accompany and support Pope Leo XIV in what has been a historic Eucharist marking the official start of his Pontificate and his mission as pastor and father of the universal Catholic Church.
In a Eucharist attended by numerous dignitaries and representatives from various countries, the Holy Father’s voice rang out strongly once again in favor of peace, unity within the Church, and the need to be a missionary Church that, more than ever, carries God’s love beyond cultures and religious traditions.
The Pallium and the the Fisherman’s Ring
During the enthronement Mass, the Holy Father first received the Pallium, symbol of his pastoral authority as successor of Saint Peter, from Cardinal Mario Zenari, current Apostolic Nuncio in Syria, in a gesture of attention to regions wounded by war and suffering.
The Pallium consists of a circular band of white wool, from which hang two strips—one in front and one in the back. Adorned with six black crosses, it is fastened with three golden pins symbolizing the nails of Christ’s Passion.
Subsequently, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle placed the Fisherman’s Ring on Pope Leo XIV’s finger, who was visibly moved. This highly symbolic ring bears an engraving of Saint Peter with the nets and the key—symbols of his authority and also of the mission to cast nets into the sea of history to touch the hearts of today’s people with the power of the Gospel and God’s Love.
“It Is the Hour of Love!”
Among the first words spoken by Leo XIV in his homily, the Holy Father paid tribute to Pope Francis and recalled the important moment of the Conclave in which he was elected the new Pontiff:
“I was chosen without any merit, and with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who wants to become a servant of his faith and joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, who wants us all united in one family. Love and unity: these are the two dimensions of the mission Jesus entrusted to Peter,” he said.
Likewise, the Pope reflected on Peter’s mission for humanity: “To cast nets to immerse the hope of the Gospel in the waters of the world; to navigate the sea of life so that all may be gathered in God’s embrace.”
Furthermore, Leo XIV’s words resonated strongly in favor of peace and unity: “I wish this to be our first great desire: a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, that becomes leaven for a reconciled world.”
He continued: “In our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of the different, by an economic paradigm that exploits the earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest. And we want to be, within this mass, a small yeast of unity, communion, and brotherhood. We want to tell the world, with humility and joy: look to Christ! Come closer to Him! Embrace His Word that enlightens and consoles!”
Finally, he once again referred to the missionary spirit of the Church: “This is the missionary spirit that must animate us, without closing ourselves within our small group nor feeling superior to the world; we are called to offer God’s love to all, so that unity may be realized—a unity that does not erase differences but values each person’s personal history and the social and religious culture of every people.”
In this important celebration for the whole Church, the Pope also wanted, at the final moment of the celebration, to entrust his life and ministry to the Virgin Mary, afterwards proceeding inside St. Peter’s Basilica to receive the greetings of dignitaries and civil representatives at the international level who accompanied him in this significant moment.
María José Aguilar
Photo: Vatica Media
