Pope Leo waves during first popemobile ride for inauguration in Vatican

Pope Leo arrived for his inauguration at St Peter’s Square where thousands of people have gathered.

The new pontiff, Leo XIV, rode the signature popemobile through the huge crowd in the heart of Vatican City today.

Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, will formally take up his role as the head of the Catholic Church following his election after the death of Pope Francis.

The pontiff was seen standing and waving at well-wishers at the back fo the popemobile – a one-of-a-kind version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon specially made for the pope.

Pope Leo XIV arrived in the popemobile for his inauguration mass (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Security measures in the Vatican are strict as around 250,000 people are expected for the inauguration mass.

Guests include the US Vice President JD Vance, Ukraine’s leader Volodomyr Zelensky and Prince Edward.

During the funeral procession of Pope Francis last month, a secret military unit with drone capabilities was deployed to keep an eye on the sky above the Holy See.

For Pope Leo’s inauguration, the area is monitored by a bomb squad and snipers on rooftops as well as an army of volunteers.

Around 250,000 people are expected on St Peter’s Square today (Picture: EPA)

Who is Pope Leo?

He was elected into the role by the secretive conclave on May 8.

He was born in Chicago as Robert Prevost, and he was named a cardinal by Francis in 2023.

The 69-year-old pontiff has two brothers, John and Louis Prevost, who said they have teased him about becoming the pope one day.

Pope Leo watched the 2024 Oscar-winning film Conclave starring Ralph Fiennes in preparation.

John Prevost, 71, told Sky News: ‘I said to him ‘did you watch the movie Conclave so you know how to behave?’

‘And he had just finished watching Conclave – so he knew how to behave.

‘I wanted to take his mind off it and laugh about something because this is now an awesome responsibility.’

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