When Pope Leo XIV stepped into the role of leader of the Roman Catholic Church, it marked more than just the beginning of a new papacy.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.

Pope Leo XIV arrives for an audience with thousands of journalists and media workers on May 12, 2025, at Paul VI Hall in Vatican City | Source: Getty Images

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.

Pope Leo XIV leads the Inauguration Mass of his pontificate at St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene take their seats among the dignitaries gathered for Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass in St. Peter’s Square. | Source: Getty Images

Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain attend Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass in St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium arrive in Vatican City to attend the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV on May 18, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg make their entrance at St. Peter’s Square ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass on May 18, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska attend the Inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square. | Source: Getty Images

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.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, attend the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 18, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Emmanuel Macron, Alexander Stubb, Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Alar Karis, King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain look on as Pope Francis coffin is carried away in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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.