Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, is beginning his ministry with a historic ceremony at St. Peter’s Square, blending tradition, diplomacy, and modern priorities.

Leo officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacy’s global reach and mediatic draw.

Leo officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has ...