Credit: CatholicVote (McKenna Snow)
VATICAN CITY // An hour ahead of his inaugural Mass May 18, Pope Leo XIV took his first journey in the open-air popemobile through St. Peter’s Square and its connecting road, to greet and bless thousands of faithful along the route.
Many people cheered in unison, “Papa Leone! Papa Leone!” and “Viva Papa!” and waved as he went by.
The joy was mutual between the crowds and the new pope, who had a kind smile and a hand quick to wave back at them.
The hours preceding the occasion had been marked by the anticipation of thousands who were waiting in the Square. Vatican News reports that over 200,000 people attended the May 18 Mass. Many had arrived as early as 6:15 in the morning to get a good seat, with some rushing through the Square’s gate checkpoints as soon as they were opened to the public. Though there was a long wait ahead, there was a palpable enthusiasm among the crowds, who were enjoying the start of a momentous day as the sunrise made St. Peter’s Basilica glow in front of them.
Because the Mass was not going to begin until 10 a.m., many passed the time by enjoying breakfast snacks they brought, others waved national flags, and others sang and talked. Several religious sisters prayed the rosary and the Liturgy of the Hours individually.
Several hours went by, and as the waiting continued, the crowds became a little quieter; for some, the effects of such an early morning seemed to finally be catching up, as several people had begun resting their eyes. But at about 9 a.m., a new enthusiasm reawakened everyone; cheers began spreading through the crowds, and everyone’s attention was quickly directed towards Pope Leo, who had arrived in the popemobile.
The popemobile was equipped with a chair, but Pope Leo opted instead to stand. His route traced through the Square and its connecting main road, Via della Conciliazione, and then back through the Square. Amid the cheers and waving to the new pontiff, some held out sacramentals and others waved their flags as he passed by.
The historic popemobile ride concluded a little before 9:30, when Pope Leo returned into the Vatican to prepare for the Mass inaugurating his Petrine ministry. The faithful took their seats again. A new sense of quiet swept through the Square, this time because Vatican officials announced that the rosary was going to be prayed. The crowds prayed the Glorious mysteries of the rosary, recited in Latin.