Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, toured St. Peter’s Square on Sunday in the iconic popemobile, warmly greeting pilgrims and well-wishers ahead of his inaugural Mass.

 

Standing in the white vehicle, the pontiff smiled, waved, and blessed the cheering crowds as he made his way through the square.

 

Among the many dignitaries expected at the ceremony, which begins at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT), is U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

 

Chicago native Robert Francis Prevost, elected as the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on May 8, will preside over the Mass—a solemn ceremony steeped in tradition, during which he will receive the papal ring and deliver his first homily as pope, setting the tone for his pontificate.

 

At 69, Pope Leo XIV brings decades of experience, including two spent as a missionary in Peru. While still unfamiliar to many Catholics, he has offered early insight into his leadership style over the past week.

 

In meetings with journalists, clergy, and diplomats, he has consistently called for peace amid global conflict and championed social justice. He also reaffirmed traditional Catholic teachings, emphasizing the value of the family founded on the union of a man and a woman, and voiced strong support for the rights of the unborn.