Tens of thousands came to St. Peter’s Square to mark the official start of the pontificate of the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Vice President JD Vance was among the dignitaries who attended.

Pope Leo XIV, in one of his first personnel appointments, names Cardinal Baldassare Reina grand chancellor of the Pontifical Theological Institute John Paul II for Marriage and the Family, replacing Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who turned 80 on April 20.

Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square is an ancient ritual filled with symbolism that connects back to Peter, Jesus’ apostle, and his special mission as head of the Catholic Church.