Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration marked a turning point for Catholics worldwide. As the first American elected to the papacy, his rise was already historic. But it was the way he chose to begin his role — not merely who he was — that captured the world’s attention.

From a bold entrance to unexpected choices in language and tone, Pope Leo XIV’s first days suggested a papacy willing to depart from tradition.

Who Attended: Diplomacy and Ceremony in St. Peter’s Square

The Inauguration Mass on May 18, 2025, followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21. In attendance were royal and political figures from across the world.

Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium attended with their husbands — Prince Albert, King Felipe VI, and King Philippe, respectively — while other royal representatives included Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.

Also in attendance were Prince Edward of the United Kingdom, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

But even as dignitaries gathered from across the world to witness the historic moment, one highly anticipated figure was notably absent.

Who Did Not Attend: A Noticeable Absence from Washington

Despite publicly celebrating the election of an American pope, U.S. President Donald Trump did not attend the inauguration. He once described the Pope’s selection as a great honor for the United States and expressed hope of meeting him in what he called a meaningful moment.

While he was on his first major overseas trip of his second term — visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — the U.S. was represented in Rome by Vice President JD Vance.

Although he had attended Pope Francis’s funeral in April, Trump’s decision not to be present for Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration left a noticeable gap. Still, it was the Pope’s own choices during the ceremony that ultimately defined the day

When Pope Leo XIV Broke the Rules

Around 200,000 people filled St. Peter’s Square to witness Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass. Pilgrims, clergy, cardinals, and world leaders gathered under flags and cameras as the atmosphere surged with anticipation and applause.

He rode through the square in an open-back Popemobile, waving to the jubilant crowd. He chose to forgo the bulletproof enclosure that typically shields pontiffs, following the example of Pope Francis.

The move broke with standard protocol, a bold decision for a newly elected American pope navigating a volatile global stage.

He carried that same spirit of openness into his homily. Speaking before heads of state and royalty, he said, “Brothers and sisters, 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.”