The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, commanded the attention of the entire world.
There was speculation that the media circus surrounding the pope’s debut on Thursday — broadcast live to every nation in the world — would simmer down and dissipate from secular society’s attention after the perennial intrigue of the conclave was over.
That idea was put to rest on Sunday when Il Papa Americano appeared in St. Peter’s Square for his first-ever Regina Caeli prayer, which drew a crowd at least as big as that which greeted him upon his election.
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In terms of joviality, the rushed gathering in the hour following white smoke from the Sistine Chapel was downright muted in comparison to the Regina Caeli crowd, which deployed marching bands, ethnic parades, flag twirlers, and other spectacles in devotion to the new supreme pontiff.
The event was electrified with pomp and fraternal celebration rarely seen in the modern world. Religious robes, traditional costumes, and more otherwise anachronistic garments brought the history and unity of Western Civilization to life through songs and processions.
Performers and pilgrims from around the globe represented their nations in welcoming Leo XIV.
When the white-cassocked Vicar of Christ emerged onto the balcony, shouts of “Viva il Papa!” filled the city-state, and cellphones were thrust into the air to capture the moment.
“I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome is Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter. On this Sunday, we always hear proclaimed at Mass a passage from the tenth chapter from the Gospel of John, where Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd: who knows and loves his sheep and gives his life for them,” Leo XIV said ahead of the prayer.
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The Regina Coeli is a religious chant recited during the Easter season of the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and requesting the Virgin Mary to prayer for the faithful.
Leo XIV made the notable decision to sing the chant, prompting the massive crowd to sing the antiphon alongside him.
Following the chant, the pope offered a brief series of remarks that touched on tragedies throughout the world but also causes for celebration.
In particular, Leo XIV invoked the Virgin Mary with a “heartfelt appeal to the Queen of Peace,” asking that she “present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace” in various war-torn regions of the world.
“I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people. May everything possible be done to reach an authentic, just and lasting peace, as soon as possible. Let all the prisoners be freed and the children return to their own families,” the pope said from the balcony to cheers.
He went on to lament “what is happening in the Gaza Strip,” praying that there be “an immediate ceasefire” and urging “humanitarian aid be provided to the stricken civil population, and let all the hostages be freed.”
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Leo XIV also noted the recent violence between India and Pakistan, commending the recent ceasefire agreement and expressing hope that “through the upcoming negotiations, a lasting accord may be reached soon.”
He proceeded to acknowledge a variety of pilgrim groups in attendance who traveled from foreign countries.
The pope’s American accent popped out from the rest of his Italian speech when he gave thanks to the “British and Foreign Bible Society” and faithful from “Dallas, Texas.”
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He concluded with a “Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers,” marking the occasion taking place in Italy, the United States, and other countries.
“Today in Italy and in other countries, we celebrate Mother’s Day. I send a fond greeting to all mothers, with a prayer for them, and for those who are already in Heaven,” he proclaimed.
