Pope Leo XIV on Sunday made his inaugural popemobile procession through St. Peter's Square, greeting the tens of thousands of faithful gathered to attend the Mass marking the beginning of his Pontificate.
The Supreme Pontiff greeted the faithful while standing in the vehicle, which traveled at a slightly faster pace than usual, as the Pope needed to return promptly to the basilica to begin the ceremonial ritual.
The several dozen faithful present, waving their national flags, enthusiastically celebrated Pope Leo XIV's arrival, who continuously greeted them with a smile, although he did not stop at any point to bless babies or receive gifts from attendees.
Surrounded by more than 20 Vatican gendarmerie officers, Pope Leo XIV traveled through the square's aisles and reached the end of the adjacent Via della Conciliazione, where the faithful who could not enter the square had gathered and later followed the ceremony on giant screens installed for the occasion.