Pope Leo XIV made a heartwarming gesture during his first ride within the popemobile on Sunday, 18 May, by blessing two babies in front of 1000’s of well-wishers.
The pontiff delivered his inaugural mass within the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square after replacing Pope Francis, who died on 21 April after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years.
Ahead of the formal ceremony, the pontiff greeted enthusiastic crowds, estimated to succeed in around 150,000 people, during his first ride within the open-top popemobile.
Faithful held flags and cheered “Viva il Papa!” as Leo, the primary American pope, waved back to them as he looped slowly through the square.
