All popes wear rings, and the newly-elected pontiff was reportedly emotional when he received his during the inauguration. Yet even as he marked this solemn tradition, the moment was tinged with the absence of close and powerful figures — including his brother and a prominent world leader.

Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass was held on May 18, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square. The event drew world leaders, royalty, and tens of thousands of faithful people — but there were parts of the ceremony that many may not know about.

The ceremony was more than just formal prayers and speeches — it began with powerful moments that touched many in the crowd.

Pope Leo, the 267th pontiff, rode into St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile for the first time. As he made his way through the square, large groups of people cheered and waved. Around 100,000 attendees were present when the Mass began, according to officials.

During the ride, he paused briefly to kiss a child, a gesture that drew even more joy from the crowd. Shouts of “Viva il Papa” echoed throughout the square, with clapping and happy cries filling the air as the pope arrived.

After the warm welcome and emotional scenes in the square, attention turned to the words Pope Leo XIV shared during his homily — a moment that gave many a clearer sense of his path ahead.

During his speech, the Holy Father rejected the use of religion for political gain or personal influence. He urged the faithful to stay united, which some might view as touching on the growing divide between progressive and traditional groups seen in recent years.

The Supreme Pontiff also criticized systems that damage the planet while pushing the poorest to the edges of society. He made it clear that he did not accept his role because of any personal achievements, saying:

“I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother.”

In addition, Pope Leo spoke about the expectations placed on him by those who chose him for this role. According to the Holy Father, the cardinals who elected him were looking for a shepherd who could protect the deep roots of the Christian faith while also facing today’s challenges and preparing for what lies ahead.

After sharing the hopes of those who placed their trust in him, the Bishop of Rome turned his focus to the world’s most urgent cries for peace. He asked for an end to the war in Ukraine and prayed for the people in Gaza, especially the elderly, families, and children left struggling with hunger and loss.

As the service continued, important symbols of the papal role were presented — each carrying deep meaning for both the Church and its new leader.

One of the most special moments was when the new pope received the fisherman’s ring. This ring stands for the authority passed down from St. Peter, who was a fisherman and is seen as the first pope by Catholics.

Beyond its connection to St. Peter’s life as a fisherman, the ring also has deep roots in Scripture. In the Gospel of Matthew, Peter is given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Later, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells him to support his fellow believers and carry out his mission.

Because of this, the Ring of the Fisherman is more than a symbol of leadership — it confirms the faith and the responsibility first given to Peter.

The name of the ring itself also carries meaning, linking the past to the present. Since Peter is remembered as the Apostle who fished for a living, the ring is called the Ring of the Fisherman — or sometimes the Piscatory Ring. It shows the unbroken line from the first pope to the one who holds the role today.

This ring has been tied to the papacy for hundreds of years, dating back to at least the 1200s. Long ago, it was used to stamp official papers with the pope’s seal, a practice that ended in 1842. Today, the ring is no longer used that way, but every pope still receives one.

When a pope dies, his ring and the Lead Seal are damaged with a chisel so they can never be copied. That’s why each ring is one of a kind and made only for that pope.

Because each ring is destroyed after a pope’s death, every design is made with care and meaning for that leader alone. The Vatican shared that the ring features an image of St. Peter on the outside. Inside, it has “Leo XIV” and his coat of arms carefully engraved.

While all bishops wear rings to show their bond to the churches they lead, the Bishop of Rome’s ring carries added meaning. It shows his commitment to serve the entire Church, like a groom to his bride.

As the ring was placed on his finger, the Holy Father reportedly appeared deeply moved, quietly looking down at his hand. Another part of the ceremony held deep meaning for both the Church and the new pontiff.

Pope Leo received the pallium — a woolen vestment that shows his role as a shepherd who guides and cares for his people. When he put it on, applause filled the square.

Made from the wool of lambs, the pallium is a long, narrow band worn over the shoulders. It has black pendants in the front and back, six black crosses, and three small pins that stand for the nails used in Christ’s crucifixion.

This piece of clothing also reminds the faithful of the Good Shepherd carrying a lost sheep, and of the moment Peter promised Jesus three times that he would care for His followers.

As the service neared its close, the moment became more personal and filled with quiet emotion. The Holy Father gave thanks to everyone who attended the Mass — from local Romans and international leaders to people of different faiths.

He also spoke of his predecessor, Pope Francis, saying he felt his spiritual presence during the ceremony and believed he was offering support from above.

The themes of the day were further echoed in the scripture chosen for the ceremony. Readings at the Mass centered on St. Peter, with a key passage from the Gospel of John — widely viewed as central to the role of the pope as Peter’s successor — highlighting the foundation of his ministry.

Though the day was filled with tradition and powerful moments, one noticeable absence gave it a more personal tone — his older brother, John Prevost, was not present for the inauguration.

His absence was not without reason — Prevost had already been in Rome earlier in the month when his younger brother made history. Before the installation, he shared that he would not attend the ceremony, even though he had traveled to the city after Pope Leo became the first American-born pope on May 8, 2025.

Prevost’s absence wasn’t the only one that stood out during the historic event. President Donald Trump also did not attend the inauguration in Vatican City. Vice President JD Vance was present instead. This marked a change from April, when Trump had attended Pope Francis’s funeral.

In the days leading up to the Mass, Trump had been overseas, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates on his first major foreign trip of his second term.

Although Trump was not present at the inauguration, he publicly acknowledged Pope Leo’s appointment soon after the election. The politician praised the historic moment as a great honor for the United States and expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of meeting the new pontiff, calling it a meaningful occasion for the nation.

While Trump remained abroad, several global leaders made their way to Vatican City for the occasion. Those in attendance included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The pope greeted the dignitaries during the ceremony and shook hands with Zelensky, whom he was expected to meet with later that day. The gathering of dignitaries reflected the wide reach of Pope Leo’s life and service.

Also attending was Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, representing the nation where the new pontiff had spent many years working as both a missionary and a bishop. The event drew representatives from every corner of the world, with more than 150 countries sending official delegates to the Vatican.

The new Bishop of Rome’s inauguration marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church and the world. From powerful homilies to deeply personal gestures, the ceremony blended tradition with meaning.

His message called for unity, care for the poor, and peace in troubled regions. The presence of global leaders and the absence of others underscored the weight of his new role. As the first American pope, his path forward will be watched closely by millions.