Video Pope Leon takes over the leadership of the Catholic Church through a great liturgy. Live images from the Vatican
Pope Leon XIV, photographed to the Vatican as he passed a member of the Swiss Guard that ensures the protection of the Pontifical Sovereigns, photo: Matrix Images / Andre Pain / Imago Stock and People / Profimedia Images
Pope Leon XIV will officially take over the role of leader of the Catholic Church on Sunday, through a liturgy in Saint Peter Square, which will attract tens of thousands of believers, including dozens of world leaders and members of European royal families, reports Reuters.
The crowds are expected to fill the market and streets around Rome for this official celebration, which started at 10:00 and which includes the first walk with Leon's white papamobil, the first pope from the United States.
Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old pontiff has spent many years as a missionary in Peru and also holds a Peruvian citizenship, which means he is also the first pope in that South American country.
Robert Prevost, a relatively unknown figure on the international scene, became cardinal only two years ago, was elected Pope on May 8, after a short conclave of the cardinal that lasted only 24 hours.
He succeeds him from Pope Francis, from Argentina, who died on April 21, after leading the church for 12 years often turbulent, in which he faced the traditionalists and fought for the poor and marginalized.
Important world leaders will be present at the service officiated by Pope Leon Sunday
The US Vice -President, JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism that has been in conflict with Francis because of the harsh policies of the Trump administration, will lead the American delegation with Secretary of Marco Rubio, and El Catholic.
The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, will also be present and is open to meet with other leaders, said a high-ranking counselor, reminiscent of the direct meeting he had with the US President, Donald Trump, in the Basilica of Saint Peter, on the funeral of Pope Francis.
Zelenski last met with Vance in February, at the White House, when the two had a tense replicas in front of the international press.
At the Vatican ceremony are expected presidents in Peru, Israel and Nigeria, the premiers of Italy, Canada and Australia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Many members of the European royal families will occupy VIP places near the main altar, including King Felipe of Spain and Queen Letizia.
