Pope Leo XIV Surprises Faithful During Popemobile Entrance — What Happened at the Inauguration
It was more than just the start of a new pope when Pope Leo XIV assumed leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
For Catholics around the world, the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV was a watershed moment. His ascent was already historic as he became the first American elected pope.
But what really caught the world’s attention was not just who he was, but also how he chose to start his position.
Pope Leo XIV’s early days revealed a papacy prepared to break with precedent, from a daring entrance to surprising language and tone choices.
Attendees: St. Peter’s Square Ceremony and Diplomacy
Pope Francis’s death on April 21 was followed by the Inauguration Mass on May 18, 2025. Political and royal leaders from all around the world were present.
Alongside their husbands, Prince Albert, King Felipe VI, and King Philippe, respectively, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium attended.
Other royal guests included Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Prince Edward of the United Kingdom were also present.
However, one highly anticipated figure was conspicuously absent, despite the fact that dignitaries from all around the world arrived to witness the historic occasion.
Who Was Not Present: A Notable Washington Absence
President Donald Trump of the United States did not attend the inauguration, even though he publicly celebrated the choice of an American pope.
He once expressed hope of seeing the Pope in what he considered a meaningful moment and called the appointment of the Pope a great honor for the United States.
Vice President JD Vance represented the United States in Rome during his first significant foreign trip of his second term, which included stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump had been at Pope Francis’s burial in April, but his absence from Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration created a significant void.
However, the day was ultimately defined by the decisions made by the Pope himself throughout the ceremony.
Pope Leo XIV’s Break with the Rules
Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass was attended by some 200,000 people in St. Peter’s Square. As the atmosphere erupted with excitement and cheers, pilgrims, priests, cardinals, and world leaders assembled beneath flags and cameras.
He waved to the joyful audience as he drove into the square in an open-back Popemobile. Like Pope Francis, he decided to forego the protective cage that usually protects pontiffs.
The action defied convention and was audacious for a recently elected American pope negotiating a precarious international scene.
He continued to be transparent in his homily. “Brothers and sisters,” he added, addressing heads of state and royalty, “I would like that our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world.”
To illustrate the type of leadership the pope should exhibit, he cited St. Peter as an example: “Peter must shepherd the flock without ever giving in to the temptation to be an autocrat, lording it over those entrusted to him.” Quite the opposite; he is supposed to walk with his brothers and sisters and serve their faith.
Additionally, Pope Leo XIV pledged to oppose the employment of “religious propaganda” by Church authorities. His speech emphasized a pontificate dedicated to walking alongside people rather than reigning over them.
He had hinted at a similar departure from precedent only days before. English is rarely used as the opening language of a papal homily, especially in such a formal context.
Pope Leo XIV spoke in English to the College of Cardinals on May 9 during his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel.
He started the Mass in Italian, saying, “I will sing a new song to the Lord,” in his Chicago accent.
The open car and the usage of English were two gestures that demonstrated a deliberate change in tone. Additionally, they were an unmistakable indication that Pope Leo XIV wanted to lead in a voice that was uniquely his own.
Zelenskyy, who attended the mass with his wife, Olena Zelenska, seemed to find resonance in the Pope’s message. Later, he had a meeting with Pope Leo XIV, which he shared on Instagram.
“The Pontiff is a symbol of hope for peace for millions of people worldwide,” Zelenskyy wrote, thanking the Pope for the audience. It is possible that the Holy See’s voice and authority will be crucial in ending this conflict.
He went on, “We appreciate the Vatican’s readiness to act as a forum for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. For the sake of observable outcomes, we are prepared for discussion in whatever format.
The Pope’s homily, in which he called for a world that is reconciled and emphasized unity seven times, was repeated in his message.
Although these remarks struck a chord with appeals for unification around the world, responses in the US revealed more nuanced overtones.
A Complicated Reception in America
Even though many of his detractors were born in the same region as Pope Leo XIV, American politicians have criticized his early opinions and previous remarks.
He posted a social media statement before to his election that attacked Vance’s understanding of Christian ideals, including the idea that showing love or compassion should prioritize some groups above others.
Following his election, this came up again and caused strong emotions. “It is shocking to me that a guy could be chosen to be the Pope that had the Twitter feed and the statements he’s had against American senior politicians,” said Steve Bannon, a former strategist for Trump.
The Pope is at odds with many on the U.S. political right because of his prior support for immigration and his seeming admiration for the leadership of the late Pope Francis, even if he has not openly stated any political affiliation.
“Definitely going to be friction” between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, according to Bannon’s prediction.
Diplomatic contact has started in the midst of those responses. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV on May 19 to talk about issues that both parties were concerned about, such as peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
John Prevost, his brother, claims that although Pope Leo XIV has moderate opinions, he will not keep back from speaking out when he is inspired by conviction.
“If he has something to say, I don’t think he’ll be silent for long,” he remarked. I am aware of his dissatisfaction with the current immigration situation. I’m positive of that.
It’s hard to predict how far he’ll take it, but he won’t just sit back. He won’t be the silent one, in my opinion.
Even though Pope Leo XIV defied convention in his own manner, some customs—such as how royal women dress to greet the pope—are subtly changing.
How Royal Women’s Dress Code Was Modified for Their Meeting with the Pope
In 2009, Camilla, the current Queen Consort, met Pope Benedict XVI while she was still the Duchess of Cornwall. She donned the traditional long-sleeved black dress with a lace mantilla, or veil, to that encounter.
For generations, women had followed this clothing rule when they met His Holiness. But Camilla wore a pale gold dress and coat by Anna Valentine when she met the now-deceased Pope Francis in April 2017.
The Queen Consort apparently disregarded the Vatican’s dress rule by choosing not to wear headgear. Pope Francis, however, welcomed the change, therefore her appearance was not a problem. “Things have become more relaxed over the last few years [sic] there are no hard and fast rules,” a Vatican spokeswoman once clarified.
During her meeting with the pope, Camilla had to wear black rather than white because her husband, King Charles III, is the leader of the Anglican Church.
She donned a black dress with cropped sleeves and a knee-length skirt when she saw Pope Francis during her royal tour of Italy two weeks before to his passing.
Since her husband’s succession in September 2022, this was her first papal audience. Since she is not authorized to wear white to such sessions, she complied with a subtle guideline.
The late Queen Elizabeth often wore black to meetings with the pope. Elizabeth, however, had decided to see Francis in her usual vibrant fashion after he was elected pope. She had, for example, worn a lilac outfit and cap in 2014.
Wearing white is just for a select few, even though wearing colors may now be accepted. Therefore, when Cherie Blair met Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, she did just that. The headlines that followed made fun of her, saying that she had a “grand idea of herself.”
Previously, only a select group of Catholic queens and princesses were allowed to wear white dresses. Princess Charlene of Monaco upheld the “privilege of the white,” or “privilège du blanc” in French or “il privilegio del bianco” in Italian, when she met Pope Francis in January 2016.
She was wearing a mantilla, matching driving gloves, a white jacket, and naked heels. Her crimson lipstick was the only color she used to complete her look. Only six other queens and senior female royals worldwide, aside from Charlene, are formally eligible for the “privilège du blanc” clothing code.
These include Grand Duchess María Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Marina of Naples, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain, and Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium.
According to protocol, people who have been granted permission may wear white to papal functions such as special masses, beatifications, canonizations, and private audiences.
Why Some Royals Attended Pope Francis’ Funeral in Veils
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, and his funeral was held in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square on April 26.
Royals like Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain, and Queen Rania of Jordan were among the many who came to pay their respects.
At the late pontiff’s service, the three wore veils and black clothing. Queen Letizia was dressed in a black gown with three-quarter length sleeves and a round neckline. The 50-year-old queen also wore identical heels and a black veil.
Letizia walked with her husband, who wore a black suit to match her outfit, and a black handbag. It is said that regardless of the circumstance, women must always wear veils when they meet the pope.
The Catholic Church’s long-standing tradition represents reverence and humility. Women are supposed to dress modestly, wearing long sleeves, a low hem, and little jewelry. Typically, tulle, lace, or delicate, see-through netting are used to make the mourning veil.
According to royal correspondent Danielle Stacey, “Black clothing is usually worn during funerals and memorial services. Coincidentally, all royals must wear a black outfit when they travel abroad in order to be properly attired in the case of a family death while they are away.
At the pope’s funeral, however, it is not permitted to wear a white veil.
Royals including Queen Letizia wore black or dark hues in accordance with Vatican dress code while attending the 88-year-old pope’s funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica.
As a symbol of great respect, women are supposed to wear long or knee-length skirts with long sleeves and refrain from wearing jewelry. Additionally, jewelry shouldn’t be gaudy or overt.
But as Queen Sofía demonstrated when she wore pearls to Pope John Paul II’s burial on April 8, 2005, they are a dignified option. Another important consideration is footwear, with low heels being the best option.
Shoes should be closed and simple. Funerals are exempt from the regulation, thus it is not possible to invoke the “privilège du blanc” or wear white, the color of the pope’s cassock. The privilege is symbolic; it stands for innocence, tranquility, and purity.
It is said to be a symbol of distinction for royal families that have remained close to the Catholic Church. This tradition has been upheld over the years by the seven royal women who are allowed to wear white around the pope at specific gatherings.
Spain’s Queen Sofia
On February 10, 1997, Queen Sofia was photographed meeting Pope Paul VI with King Juan Carlos and other Spanish royals while dressed all in white, including a veil.
Spain’s Queen Letizia
On June 30, 2014, in Vatican City, Queen Letizia wore white to see Pope Francis and King Felipe VI at his private library in the Apostolic Palace. She had not met the former head of the Catholic Church since Felipe VI took the throne.
Belgium’s Queen Paola
On May 15, 1998, in Vatican City, Queen Paola saw Pope John Paul II at his private library in the Apostolic Palace, where she was required to wear white and wear a veil.
Belgium’s Queen Mathilde
When Queen Mathilde saw Pope Francis on March 9, 2015, she was dressed in all white and was kindly given a rosary during a private meeting at the Vatican.
María Teresa, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg
During an audience at Pope Benedict XVI’s private library at the Vatican on May 8, 2006, Grand Duchess María Teresa was dressed in white and given a rosary.
Naples’ Princess Marina
When Pope John Paul II arrived in St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile on May 18, 2003, for a special liturgy in Vatican City, he recognized bishops Emanuele Filiberto and his mother, Princess Marina Doria, as well as his father, Prince Victor Emmanuel.
Monaco’s Princess Charlene
Princess Charlene of Monaco, the last royal to be allowed to wear white on specific occasions, did so on January 12, 2013, in Vatican City, when she saw Pope Benedict XVI at a special audience at his library.
