250 Thousand People Crowded The Vatican, Pope Leo XIV Officially Inaugurated

Pope Leo XIV or Robert Prevost (@vaticannews)

JAKARTA Around 250,000 people are expected to crowd St. Peter's Square, Sunday 18 May 2025, to witness Pope Leo XIV's inauguration, marking the start of a new leadership period for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

In the inauguration ceremony, Pope Leo XIV will receive a palllium and a fishing ring of two main symbols of the papal authority. Despite following tradition, each Pope has room to personalize the ceremony. For example, Pope Francis in 2013 chose to approach people using open displays without a protective shield.

Leadership Style: Mixing Three Whales

Citing Sky News, Pope Leo XIV is known to be quieter than his predecessor, but remains warm and caring.

American Catholic University's Theology Lecturer in Rome, Father Francesco Giordano, called Leo XIV a combination of the previous three Popes: charismatic like John Paul II, intellectual like Benedict XVI, and in favor of small people like Francis.

His symbolic choice also reflects the leadership style of wearing a red Benedict-style mozzetta but still chooses non-traditional black shoes such as Francis, signaling a balance between conservatism and simplicity.

Peace Manifesto

This inauguration will also be an important moment when Pope Leo XIV conveys his first homily often referred to as the early manifesto of papality' which will reflect the direction of pastoral and geopolitical that will be taken.

The issue of global peace is expected to be the main focus. Since being elected, Pope Leo XIV has publicly voiced concern over the global conflict. The first word he said from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica was "peace", and he was actively campaigning for violence through social media.

Global Diplomacy Event

This inauguration is not only a religious ceremony, but also an important diplomatic moment. Hundreds of delegates from various countries attended, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US Vice President JD Vance, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings during the visit.

A face-to-face meeting between Pope Leo XIV and JD Vance is still being explored, although a solid agenda can be an obstacle. At Pope Francis' inauguration in 2013, world leaders had direct dialogue for up to an hour. Similar interactions are now awaited by Vatican observers.

Background And Political Attitude

Prior to becoming a Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost was known to vocally voice social justice. He once criticized the United States immigration policy and called for a moral responsibility for the humanitarian crisis in Peru.

Despite being known to be critical, Pope Leo XIV is considered an accomplished diplomat who is able to maintain a balance between principles and communications. He is expected to avoid controversial statements on the day of his inauguration.

Pope Leo XIV's inauguration is a new starting point for the Catholic Church as well as a sign of the Vatican's role in the geopolitical dynamics of the world. Its first homily today will be an initial foothold, determining the direction of the relationship between the Holy Throne, the people, and the international community in the future.