The inauguration of the new Pope Leo XIV takes place in the Vatican: world leaders and thousands of believers are among the guests
On May 18, the Vatican will host a solemn enthronement ceremony for the new Pope – Leo XIV. The event gathered parishioners, clergy and delegations from all over the world. Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness the historic event. It is reported Reuters.
The inauguration will be attended by religious leaders of various denominations, diplomats, pilgrims and representatives of the political elite from various countries. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, arrived in Rome the day before, in the evening of May 17.
It is reported that the United States of America will be represented at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV by Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister of France Francois Bayrou are also among the expected guests.
From Italy, President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Maloni will attend the ceremony.
The European Union will be represented at the papal mass by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
According to Sky News, Russia will be represented at the event by Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova.
Earlier, Pope Leo XIV was presented with a symbolic gift — a painting dedicated to a Ukrainian defender who died in the war. The pontiff confirmed his support for Ukraine, stressing that the Holy See will continue to be on the side of the Ukrainian people during the armed conflict.
In addition, Leo XIV expressed his willingness to provide the Vatican as a neutral platform for potential negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. This initiative was announced after the talks in Istanbul did not bring the expected result.
