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The Standard
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Standard
Cardinals set for second day of conclave to elect a new pope
People line up to enter St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on the first day of conclave to elect the new pope, as Cardinals are displayed on a screen, as seen from Rome, Italy May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis
New York Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Zelensky Meets With Pope Leo After Inaugural Mass
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine attended Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass on Sunday and met later with the new pontiff in private, days after Leo expressed a personal desire to help end the war with Russia. The meeting took place after the newly elected pope offered on Friday to host talks between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican and said he would make every effort so that peace could prevail. 'The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, to talk to one another,' Leo added. The pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said the offer was 'the availability of a space' and called the Vatican an 'appropriate place' for peace talks. In the service at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, Leo spoke forcefully about people suffering because of wars around the world. 'Martyred Ukraine awaits negotiations for a just and lasting peace,' Leo said at the end of the service, echoing language used by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Mr. Zelensky thanked the pope for his 'special words,' saying in a social media post that 'every nation deserves to live in peace and security.' After meeting with Leo, he also thanked the Vatican 'for its willingness to serve as a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.' 'The Holy See can play an important role in ending the war because of its voice and authority,' he wrote on social media. The U.S. secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said the Vatican could be a venue for Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, but neither Russia nor Ukraine have indicated whether they would take the pope up on his offer. On Sunday, Mr. Rubio attended the inaugural Mass, as did Vice President JD Vance. Mr. Zelensky shook hands with Mr. Vance as he arrived. It was the second time Mr. Zelensky visited the Holy See in recent weeks. When he attended the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, Mr. Zelensky met privately with President Trump, which yielded a striking image of the two men facing each other on metal chairs in an ornate hall. It was the first time they had met since the February sit-down in the Oval Office in February, in which Mr. Trump castigated the Ukrainian leader. It was unclear whether any informal meetings on Ukraine would take place after the Mass. Friedrich Merz, Germany's new chancellor, told reporters in Rome on Sunday that he had spoken with Mr. Rubio about Mr. Trump's upcoming phone call with Mr. Putin. Speaking with reporters after the service had concluded, Mr. Merz said that he and the leaders of France and the United Kingdom were planning to try to speak to Mr. Trump before that phone call. 'My strong impression is that both Europeans and Americans are determined to work together, but now also in a focused manner, to ensure that this terrible war ends soon,' Mr. Merz said. On Saturday, Mr. Zelensky said that he had met with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and President Karin Keller-Sutter of Switzerland separately in Rome to discuss how to increase pressure on Russia to end the war. The search for peace in Ukraine has gathered pace in recent weeks. Delegations from the two sides held their first direct talks in Turkey on Friday and later agreed on a prisoner exchange. Pope Francis, who died on April 21, regularly called for peace in Ukraine. Since his election, Leo has signaled a deep interest in ending the war. Last week, he used his first Sunday address to call for an 'authentic, just and lasting peace' in Ukraine and for all prisoners of war to be freed. He added that children should be returned to their families. Although he did not specify which children, many Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia against the wishes of their families since the war began.
CTV News
18-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass is filled with symbolism. Here's what you need to know
Pope Leo XIV speaks from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica from where he delivered his first Sunday blessing since his election to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the traditional Regina Caeli prayer at noon, on Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis, File) VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV 's inaugural Mass on Sunday morning in St. Peter's Square and Basilica is a ritual filled with symbolism that connects back to Peter, Jesus' apostle, and his special mission as head of the Catholic Church. No new role is conferred — the pontiff is already the head of the Vatican and of the faith counting some 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, tens of thousands of whom gathered in the square for the Mass alongside government representatives. Leo will receive two crucial signs of his pontificate, the 'pallium' and the fisherman's ring, marking his role as successor of Peter. Here's what to know about them and more rituals in the solemn liturgy replete with ancient languages and Scriptural references – all after Leo takes a spin around the square in the popemobile. What's the inauguration Mass? In most parts, it's a celebration of the Eucharist just like any Sunday Mass held in Catholic churches around the world. There will be prayers, music, readings from the New Testament, a homily and Communion, all in the usual order. Symbolism is interwoven even in some of the typical aspects, though. The Gospel passage, for instance, will focus on Jesus giving Peter responsibility as the shepherd of the church — a reference Leo made in his first public words the day he was elected. It will be proclaimed first in Latin and then in Greek. As the main languages of the nascent church 2,000 years ago, today they signify 'the church's attempt to reach everyone' and be universal, said the Rev. Giuseppe Midili, a professor and consultant with the Vatican's liturgy office. In a more personal touch, the Vatican says that by the outdoor altar there will be an image of the Mother of Good Counsel — an icon of Mary from a sanctuary in a small village outside Rome served by Augustinians, Leo's religious order. The signs of Peter — a vestment and a ring Two of the most significant moments will be right before the homily, when cardinals will give Leo the pallium and his fisherman's ring. The pallium is a narrow stole-like vestment with two pendants to be worn across the shoulders, decorated with crosses representing Jesus' wounds. It's made of white wool in an elaborate procedure where the lambs traditionally were blessed before being sheared, just like for the similar vestments given to archbishops on their ordination. 'It's the symbolism of the good shepherd who carries the sheep on his shoulders,' Midili said. 'Pastor' means shepherd in Latin and Scriptures often refer to the good shepherd who gives his life for his flock, a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus, and of Peter, who was martyred. Leo will receive it from Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who told the world the new pope's name on May 8. The fisherman's ring recalls the Gospel passage where Jesus appeared to the apostles after his resurrection as they had spent a night fishing with no catch. He told Peter to cast in a specific spot— and the nets strained with lots of large fish, some of which the apostles then shared with Jesus in a lakeside breakfast. An image of Peter with the net, standing for the church's evangelization mission and its unity, is engraved on the ring alongside the pope's name. When a pope dies, the ring is crossed over so it can no longer be used as seal for papal documents. Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, who was widely regarded as a papal contender, will present Leo with the ring. At the beginning of the celebration, both ring and pallium are taken from the chapel of St. Peter's tomb, underneath the Basilica — where the pope prays accompanied by the patriarchs of eastern rite Catholic churches — out to the altar set up in St. Peter's Square. Meet and greet, from the faithful to world leaders Just after the giving of those two insignia, a delegation representing different roles in the church, from cardinals to the faithful, including a married couple, will greet Leo in the 'rite of obedience' that symbolizes the church turning to the new pontiff to follow his guidance. After Mass, Leo will greet the government representatives, royalty and religious delegations. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both Catholics representing an administration that often sparred with Pope Francis, are scheduled to attend Mass for the first U.S. pope. Also expected at Mass, according to the Vatican, are more than 20 heads of state including Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, and Premier Giorgia Meloni, as well as Dina Boluarte, the president of Peru, where Leo has citizenship and spent many years as missionary and bishop. The presidents of two countries involved in wars that Leo mentioned in his first Sunday blessing are also on the list — Israel's Isaac Herzog and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The king and queen of Spain are planning to attend alongside other royalty from Europe and as well as Gulf kingdoms including Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of the United Arab Emirates. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Giovanna Dell'orto, The Associated Press
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
AP PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV takes his first popemobile ride in St. Peter's Square ahead of installation
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV took his first popemobile ride through St. Peter's Square ahead of his installation on Sunday, waving from the back of the open-back truck to the crowd waving flags and cheering 'Viva il Papa!' The bells of St. Peter's Basilica tolled as Leo waved as the truck looped slowly through the square. The crowd cheered and waved a sea of Peruvian, American and Holy See flags mixed in with flags of other nations and banners. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pope Leo Receives Fisherman's Ring and Pallium During Inauguration Mass, Marking Official Start of His Papacy
Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome for Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass on Sunday, May 18 The new pontiff received a fisherman's ring — a symbol of his papal authority — and the pallium, a white garment worn by popes Pope Leo XIV was elected as the new pontiff on May 8 after just three rounds of votingPope Leo XIV's inauguration is here. The celebratory Mass began on Sunday, May 18, at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter's Square and saw a range of global leaders and dignitaries gathering for the new pontiff. The service marks the official start of Leo's papacy just under a month after the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The ceremony began with a procession from St. Peter's Basilica — where Leo and other church leaders visited St. Peter's tomb to pray — to St. Peter's Square, where the Inauguration Mass was held. Pope Leo XIV prayed before sprinkling water towards those gathered for the mass as a remembrance of baptism. Following 'The Gloria' hymn of praise, more prayers and several readings from the Bible were shared. As part of the rites, Leo received the ring of the fisherman from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle — a symbol of the pontiff's authority and reference to Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, regarded as the first pope — as well as the pallium, a white vestment traditionally worn by the pope. The pallium — a strip of lambswool — was placed on Leo's shoulders with three pins representing his role as a shepherd and the nails of Christ's crucifixion. The choir sang in Greek before a couple representing marriage approached the Pope, and two children representing all the children of the world paid tribute to him. He went on to greet all those gathered 'with a heart full of gratitude' before sharing a message written by St. Augustus. He then noted how the death of Pope Francis filled 'our hearts with sadness.' Leo said he was 'chosen with no merit of my own' to become the new leader of the Catholic church as the Conclave was placed in 'God's hands.' Among his intentions, he shared in the homily a desire to be a 'servant of your faith and joy' and for the church to be united amid a time of 'violence, prejudice, fear of difference and an economic paradigm that exploits the world's resources and marginalizes the poorest.' Pope Leo led prayers before attendees received communion at the inaugural mass. He noted that the "spiritual presence of Pope Francis" could be felt throughout. Dignitaries in attendance included Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and brother to King Charles, as well as Vice President J.D. Vance, whom the pope had been critical of before being elected, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Pope Leo — previously known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — was born in Chicago and holds dual citizenship between the United States and Peru. He is the first pope from the United States. Leo was elected on Thursday, May 8, following just three rounds of voting during a two-day conclave in the wake of Francis' death — from a stroke — on April 21. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The new pontiff's first public address, in early May, included gratitude to his predecessor, his "brother cardinals" and his home diocese in Chiclayo and focused primarily on a message of peace. Leo stressed that all are welcome and "evil will not prevail," he said to a packed St. Peter's Square. "We must be a synodal church. A church that walks. A church that always seeks peace. Always seeks charity. Always tries to be close especially to those who suffer," he said. Read the original article on People
