President Bola Tinubu was among world leaders present at the inauguration of Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
Known as Pope Leo XIV, the newly appointed head of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic community officially assumed the papacy on May 8.
He appeared before a crowd in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, riding through in the iconic white popemobile while greeting onlookers with waves, smiles, and the sign of the cross.
The first-ever American to lead the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, made his introductory tour ahead of the inauguration mass, which drew tens of thousands of pilgrims.
Dignitaries from around the world, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, were expected to attend the 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) ceremony.
The 69-year-old pontiff will oversee a service steeped in tradition, where he will receive the papal ring and deliver a sermon that will offer insights into his vision for the Church’s future.
Though relatively unfamiliar to many, Leo XIV served as a missionary in Peru for over 20 years.
Since his election, he has spoken frequently about global peace and social equity. He has also reiterated Catholic doctrines, highlighting the significance of traditional marriage and the sanctity of unborn life.
Inacia Lisboa, a 71-year-old originally from Cape Verde now residing in Rome, said she arrived early to witness the event.
“He has already entered my heart,” she said. “What I want most is for him to pray for us and for peace in the world—we really need it.”