Pope Leo XIV held his first Mass on May 18, 2025, an occasion that would have once included the crowing with a magnificent gold and jewel-encrusted tiara, a sacred tradition that lasted from the 12th century until it was discontinued by Pope Paul VI in 1964. The tiara, which was often seen as a symbol of the pope’s temporal power, is now housed in the United States at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Historically, the inauguration ceremonies were spectacles, with Pope Pius XI's 1922 ceremony being described as more dazzling than the coronation of an English king. According to Rev. Stefano Sanchirico, the papal tiara wasn't worn during liturgical ceremonies but was reserved for key moments such as entering or exiting solemn ceremonies.
In an inspiring shift, Pope John Paul II emphasized the need to move beyond the tiara, urging a focus on spiritual leadership instead. Archival footage captures the grandeur of ceremonies like that of Pope Pius XII and Pope John XXIII, showcasing the jubilance of the crowds as they witnessed the coronation.
Pope Paul VI not only abolished the tiara but also moved the ceremony outdoors, symbolizing a church adapting to the modern world. This trend continues as Pope Leo XIV embraces these changes, signaling a continued evolution of papal traditions.
Elisabetta Povoledo is a seasoned journalist based in Rome, covering the Vatican and Italian culture.
