More than meets the eye.
A second long look at Pope Leo XIV on the day of his Inauguration Mass, May 18, 2025, reveals humility, authority, mission, reverence, unity, beauty, and respect.
Adding not only grandeur to the liturgy, but also commanding attention to our Lord, Jesus Christ and the splendor of His Church, Pope Leo XIV’s ring, pectoral cross, pallium, staff, and chasuble were tangible signs of not only his distinguished role, but also his selflessness echoed in his choices. They are not objects, but powerful symbols of faith and commitment. Further his choices also reflected his thoughtfulness, acknowledging the 105th birthday of Pope St. John Paul II.
“I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling,” said Pope Leo, “I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family.”
Piscatory Ring – the Fisherman’s Ring
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines placed the Fisherman’s Ring on Pope Leo’s right hand ring finger. Made of solid gold it is engraved with Pope Leo’s name and an image of St. Peter, casting a net. The world watched as the Holy Father was moved to tears upon the glancing at his ring that forever unites him with his successor, St. Peter.
Pope Leo recalled how Peter is entrusted with “loving more” and a “self-sacrificing” love “giving his life for the flock.”
Augustinian Pectoral Cross
Beneath the chasuble, Pope Leo’s pectoral cross represents a powerful connection to St. Augustine. It is an Augustinian cross containing relics from Saints Augustine, Monica, and Thomas (of Villanova); and holy souls Blessed Anselmo Palanco and Venerable Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio. Their lives reflect fidelity, reform, service, and martyrdom – the ultimate witness of faith. He received the cross as a gift from his Augustinian Order, when he was announced as cardinal in 2023.
Pallium of the Good Shepherd
The Pallium, sign of the Good Shepherd who carries his sheep, was placed on Pope Leo by Cardinal Deacon Dominique Mamberti of France, who had announced the name of the newly elected pope on May 8th.
The white woolen band has six black crosses embroidered on it and is adorned with three ornate pins to represent the nails of Christ’s crucifixion. Made from blessed lambswool by Benedictine Sisters, the pallium is worn over the chasuble on the pontiff’s shoulders, signifying his responsibility to carry the faithful and unite us all with the global Church.
Papal Staff Declares Humility
The papal ferula (Pope’s staff/rod) chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the inaugural Mass was topped with a crucifix to represent the horrific suffering Christ accepted for our salvation and reconciliation, and to pay homage to the Holy Father’s before him.
The pope’s staff is most recognizable as the one used by Pope St. John Paul II at his inaugural Mass and throughout his papacy. It was designed for the Holy See in 1963 by Italian sculptor Lello Scorzelli (1921-1997), and first used by Pope St. Paul VI on Dec. 8, 1965, for the closing of the Second Vatican Council. Pope John Paul I (who served only 33 days before his sudden death in 1978) also used it, as well as Pope Francis.
The crucifix’s powerful design is of truth and accurate human suffering of Christ for the love and salvation of all humanity. Pausing to see its detail can take your breath away as it shows Christ’s deep suffering on the rugged cross. Scorzelli made the cross to resemble an arrow pointing to Heaven – our eternal life with God.
The Chasuble – A Relic of Pope St. John Paul II
The chasuble (ornate outer vestment) Pope Leo XIV was vested in belonged to Pope St. John Paul II. The vestment, designed by the Benedictine Sisters of Rosano, was also worn by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Like the papal staff, wearing the chasuble of St. John Paul unites him with his brother pontiffs and is a visible vow of unity in the Church and the world with Christ.
The chasuble features embroidered vine and branches as a sign of St. John’s Gospel 15:5, describing the relationship of Jesus and His followers. He is the vine and we believers are the branches. The lower front panel features the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith – the true Body and Blood of Christ. Elaborate signs for the simple truths of the Church.
“We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one,” he urged. “This is the path to follow together, among ourselves but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God, with all women and men of good will, in order to build a new world where peace reigns!”
The main photo in the graphic photo: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino
