Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated as pontiff in Mass at St Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The Vatican said some 200,000 people attended the Mass, which marked the start of the pontificate of the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
Evoking some of the messages of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died in April, Leo, used the occasion to plead for peace in Ukraine, Gaza and Myanmar. As he became the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church, Leo said that his priority was for the church to hold to its mission of evangelization, another echo of Francis, and chart a path that included as many people in the church as possible.
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, was among the world leaders and top church officials who sat in the Roman sun for the outdoor service that officially installed Leo as leader of 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
He represented President John Mahama at the ceremony.
"It has been a profound honour representing John Mahama and Ghana at the Inauguration Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at Saint Peter’s Square today.
I am eternally grateful for the Supreme Pontiff’s blessings and warmth,'' he wrote
It has been a profound honour representing President John Mahama and Ghana at the Inauguration Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at Saint Peter’s Square today.
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) May 18, 2025
I am eternally grateful for the Supreme Pontiff’s blessings and warmth. pic.twitter.com/g2lJgP5PpS