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 Saint Peter and His Tomb (Scott E13, 1953) Christ and Saint Peter (Scott 647, 1979) The Good Shepherd (Scott 1086, 1998) The VPS Daily Email is normally released from our email server at 1:30 AM (Central Time), or 8:30 AM in Rome. If you happen to be up and reading this early Sunday morning, the Mass marking the official start of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV’s starts in about 90 minutes, at 10 AM Rome time. The inauguration Mass takes place at St. Peter’s Basilica and Square. It will follow a traditional rite and include several items with deep symbolic meaning. The ceremony will begin inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Leo will descend to the chapel of the Tomb of Saint Peter, accompanied by the Patriarchs of the Eastern Churches. Following a moment of prayer and incensing the site, two deacons will take symbols of the Holy Pontiff (the Pallium and the Ring of the Fisherman), and the Book of the Gospels, and proceed to altar in St. Peter’s Square, in procession with Pope Leo XIV and the remaining participants in the ceremony. During the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word will include three readings. The First Reading will be from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 4:8–12), in which Peter proclaims Christ as “the stone rejected by the builders.” The Second Reading is from the First Letter of Peter (1 Peter 5:1–5, 10–11), recalling the connection between Peter, the Church of Rome, and the ministry of his successors. The Gospel will clearly tie the new pope to his role as the “Good Shepherd”, with a reading from the Gospel of John (John 21:15–19), where Jesus commands Peter to “feed My lambs” and “tend My sheep”. Following the Gospel, the Petrine Episcopal Insignia will be conferred upon the new pontiff. Three Cardinals representing different continents will approach Leo XIV. The first will place the Pallium upon him; the second will offer a prayer for the Lord to protect and help the new pope; and, the third will present the Ring of the Fisherman to Pope Leo XIV. The Pallium, made from the wool of lambs, recalls the Good Shepherd, who lays the lost sheep on his shoulders. The Ring of the Fisherman signifies Christ’s call to Peter to follow him and become a “fisher of men”. A Rite of Obedience will follow shortly thereafter, with twelve representatives from around the world pledging their obedience to the Pope. The Mass will then continue with Pope Leo’s homily, the Creed and the Prayer of the Faithful. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is next, to be followed by Communion. The Mass will conclude with prayers from the Pope, his blessings, and a closing address, along with the singing of the “Regina Caeli”. If you are planning to watch the Mass, a copy of the booklet for the celebration is included in the References, which includes English translations for each part of the ceremony. The Inauguration Mass is scheduled to be televised live by many news outlets. REFERENCES: |
