A service rich in symbolism, Leo XIV’s inauguration mass this Sunday (18 May) will mark the start of what is likely to be a highly consequential papacy. Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, tells us more.
Although Leo XIV – formally Cardinal Robert Prevost – was elected pope during last week’s conclave, his papal ministry will start formally this Sunday.
Sunday’s inauguration mass will begin with prayers at the tomb of St. Peter – the first pope – which is located directly under the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. Accompanied by the cardinals who elected him, Leo XIV will then process to St. Peter’s Square where the main service will be held.
Towards the start of the service Leo will be invested with the various symbols of the papal office. These are the Piscatory Ring – the “Ring of the Fisherman” (anulus piscatoris) – and the papal pallium. Both symbolise his authority over the Catholic hierarchy.
Given that upon his death a pope’s Piscatory Ring is destroyed, each pope is invested with a new ring. Leo’s will have an image of St. Peter on it and his name inscribed in Latin. The ring signifies that Leo is St. Peter’s successor.
The pallium which Leo will receive is a white ‘Y’ shaped vestment. Made from lamb’s wool and worn around the neck, it has six black or red crosses on it, three of which – the ones on the front, the back, and the left shoulder – are pierced by pins (spinulae). These symbolise the three nails used during Jesus’s crucifixion.
The practice of investing popes with a pallium originates from the earliest centuries of Christianity. Originally only popes wore palliums. During the eighth century, however, the privilege was extended to metropolitan archbishops.
Crucially, a metropolitan could only receive a pallium from the pope himself, thus meaning that he had to travel to Rome where, upon being gifted with a pallium, he would swear obedience to the pope. This is still the case now.
Until recently, popes were also crowned during their inaugurations. Known as the triregnum, the special tiara used during a papal coronation had three crowns on it. These signified a pope’s authority over both spiritual and temporal affairs.
All popes since Nicholas I in 858 were crowned. The practice of papal coronations, however, was discontinued in 1978, when John Paul I opted instead for a simpler inauguration mass. Subsequent popes have followed this example, including Leo XIV.
A measure of the papacy’s continuing global influence, Leo XIV’S inauguration will be attended by royalty, presidents and prime ministers. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Duke of Edinburgh will attend to represent King Charles III, while JD Vance will represent the United States.
During the mass Leo will also deliver a homily. His first formal address on the global stage, what Leo says in his homily will no doubt be scrutinised the world over.
Leo’s homily will give us a strong indication of what to expect from his papacy and what he sees as the church’s role in the modern world. Already he has indicated that he will seek to continue Pope Francis’ focus on social and economic justice, while also making clear that he sees AI as one of the greatest dangers facing humanity.
As the youngest pope in nearly 50 years, Leo’s inauguration on Sunday will mark the start of what is likely to be a lengthy and highly consequential papacy.
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