Pope Leo XIV receives symbols of papal authority UPDATED

Pope Leo XIV has received the symbols of papal authority — the "Ring of the Fisherman" and the pallium.

The ritual marks the beginning of the new pope's reign. Leo XIV is leading the inauguration Mass, which will conclude with a papal homily, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

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In a historic ceremony attended by tens of thousands of pilgrims and high-ranking dignitaries from around the world, Pope Leo XIV was formally enthroned as the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, May 18.

The day’s events began with a symbolic gesture: the newly elected pontiff toured St. Peter’s Square in an open white vehicle, smiling and waving as he greeted the faithful who had gathered outside the Vatican’s grand basilica, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The route took him from the square down Via della Conciliazione, the wide boulevard leading to the Tiber River, before returning to the square for the formal ceremony.

The enthronement rite commenced at 10:00 a.m. local time (12:00 p.m. Baku time) inside St. Peter’s Basilica. During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV received the traditional symbols of papal authority — the pallium, a woollen shoulder band symbolising his pastoral role, and the Ring of the Fisherman, made of gilded silver and bearing the image of St. Peter with the keys, symbolising the pope's spiritual inheritance from the Apostle.

Vatican officials confirmed that delegations from 156 countries and international organisations, including approximately 30 heads of state, were present to witness the historic event.

Born Robert Francis Prevost in the United States, Pope Leo XIV was elected after a two-day conclave on May 7–8 in the Sistine Chapel. His election marks a significant moment in Church history, as he becomes the first American-born pope.

As the Church enters a new chapter under his leadership, Pope Leo XIV is expected to face a complex set of challenges, ranging from internal reform to global outreach in an increasingly secular world. For now, however, the focus remains on unity and renewal, themes he emphasised in his first remarks to the faithful.

"Let us walk together in faith and compassion," he said. "Let us be a Church that listens, welcomes, and brings hope."

For the record, the last papal conclave was held in 2013, when Pope Francis was elected following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Leo XIV’s American origins underscore the Catholic Church’s increasingly global character in the 21st century.

By Khagan Isayev