On May 18, on the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Mass for the official beginning of his Petrine ministry. The celebration began inside the Basilica of St. Peter: Pope Leo, accompanied by the Patriarchs of the Eastern Churches, went down to the tomb of St. Peter for a moment of prayer, where he incensed the Apostolic Trophaeum.
The specific rites for the beginning of the pontificate were carried out by Cardinal Deacon Mario Zenari, who imposed the Pallium; by Cardinal Priest Fridolin Ambongo Besungu who recited the prayer; and by Cardinal Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle who handed over the Fisherman’s Ring.
Three Cardinals promised obedience on behalf of the entire College: Cardinal Frank Leo for North American; Cardinal Jaime Spengler, O.F.M., for South American; and Cardinal John Ribat for Oceania. Some representatives of the People of God also promised obedience to the Holy Father: the Bishop of Callao, H.E. Msgr. Luis Alberto Barrera, M.C.C.J.; Father Guillermo Inca Pereda; Deacon Teodoro Mandato; Sister Oonah O’Shea, President of the International Union of Superiors General, and Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., President of the Union of Superiors General; a married couple, Rafael Santa Maria and Ana Maria Olquín; and Josemaria Diaz and Sheyla Cruz, representing the youth.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV recalled the recent death of Pope Francis, which took place immediately after Easter: “But we received his last blessing and in the light of the Resurrection”, he said. He emphasized that to Peter has been entrusted the task of “loving more” and of giving his life for the sheep. He also emphasized that his first great desire is that of “a united Church, a sign of unity and of communion, which becomes leaven for a reconciled world.” He concluded his homily, entrusting the Church to the power of the Holy Spirit.
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