Pope Leo XIV's Accession/Inauguration Mass -May 2025

[Mbruno]

Not today, these photos are from the Inauguration Mass for Pope Francis in March 2013

It is a pity that the Duchess of Edinburgh couldn't attend Pope Leo XIV's inauguration.

 

[duke of poliganc]

From the videos that I saw the Princess of Monaco curtsied to almost all the royals attending the inauguration!

Was there any of the savoy princesses present?

 

[PrincessofEurope]

From the videos that I saw the Princess of Monaco curtsied to almost all the royals attending the inauguration!

Was there any of the savoy princesses present?

She is a little like Mette-Marit, & goes with the policy curtsy to everyone even those she doesn't need to in. I remember seeing pictures I think in 2005 of M-M curtseying to Camilla (Still Duchess of Cornwall) and there was no need as they held equal rank

It is a pity that the Duchess of Edinburgh couldn't attend Pope Leo XIV's inauguration.

Edward often does these events alone. Similarly when William attended the Pope's funeral in April he was alone. Victoria came without Daniel etc

 

[An Ard Ri]

In possibly one of his last International public appearances ,President Higgins and his wife Sabina greeted the Pope after the Mass.
The first lady was very emotional at meeting Pope Leo.

 

[CyrilVladisla]

Me too, she seems to be the only one

Decades ago all ladies were required to wear a headscarf, hat or veil when they attended a Catholic Mass.

 

[sophie25]

From the videos that I saw the Princess of Monaco curtsied to almost all the royals attending the inauguration!

Was there any of the savoy princesses present?

It's odd that Charlene did that. She's the wife of a Sovereign so it could be argued that she doesn't have to curtsey to anyone.

 

[AnaC]

Princess Grace also curtsied to other monarchs.


I thought Charlene no longer did, because I hadn't seen images but obviously she keeps the tradition.

 

[sophie25]

Princess Grace also curtsied to other monarchs.


I thought Charlene no longer did, because I hadn't seen images but obviously she keeps the tradition.

I saw a pic of Grace curtsying to the Shah of Iran but I'd say she didn't have to either. I suppose a lot protocol is subjective and not set in stone. I saw Charlene curtsying to the Pope and I get that as he is the spiritual leader of her Church.

 

[AnaC]

I saw a pic of Grace curtsying to the Shah of Iran but I'd say she didn't have to either. I suppose a lot protocol is subjective and not set in stone. I saw Charlene curtsying to the Pope and I get that as he is the spiritual leader of her Church.

Grace also curtsied to the Spanish King and Queens (Ena and Sofía) and I imagine to all others Kings and Queens. No one has to curtsey to anyone else, but it seems that in the Principality of Monaco they consider it protocol for the consort to curtsy/bow to foreign monarchs.

(I was talking of Charlene curtsying to other royals, not to the Pope)

 

[Minister of Court]

I presume it’s to do with the Grimaldis being Serene Highnesses, so lower in precedence than Majesties and Royal Highnesses. I like that someone is still observing the old protocol. I don’t care for the ”all heads of state are equal” interpretation although I know it’s a diplomatic reality.

 

[sophie25]

I presume it’s to do with the Grimaldis being Serene Highnesses, so lower in precedence than Majesties and Royal Highnesses. I like that someone is still observing the old protocol. I don’t care for the ”all heads of state are equal” interpretation although I know it’s a diplomatic reality.

I think it could be that but then the Grimaldis are often placed in front of HRH's at royal events because Albert is a Sovereign. It's all a bit confusing.

 

[Blog Real]

Prince Alois and Princess Sophie with Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas.

Liechtenstein bei Amtseinführung

Mit der feierlichen Amtseinführung von Papst Leo XIV. begann am Sonntag ein neues Kapitel im Vatikan.

www.vaterland.li

 

[Mbruno]

I think it could be that but then the Grimaldis are often placed in front of HRH's at royal events because Albert is a Sovereign. It's all a bit confusing.

The Vatican observed its own protocol and this time seated the sovereign monarchs ahead of the delegations of the republics, except the Italian, US and Peruvian delegations. However, I didn’t see Prince Albert II in the front row and it apoears that he was far behind in the greeting line after the mass. Was he given lower precedence?

 

[tommy100]

Albert and Charlene were in the front row - next to Henri & MT of Luxembourg, Alois & Sophie of Liechtenstein, Felipe & Letizia of Spain to name just a few.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/05/18/550x309/VATICAN-MASS-INAUGURATION-POPE-333_1747587703186_1747587718210.jpg

 

[Mbruno]

Albert and Charlene were in the front row - next to Henri & MT of Luxembourg, Alois & Sophie of Liechtenstein, Felipe & Letizia of Spain to name just a few.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/05/18/550x309/VATICAN-MASS-INAUGURATION-POPE-333_1747587703186_1747587718210.jpg

Thanks. As I said, I didn't see them in the live transmission.

That seems to be right based on their seating.

Philippe and Mathilde

Felipe and Letizia

Alois and Sophie

Henri and Maria Teresa

Albert and Charlene

It was a bit confusing to me, because Queen Maxima came after Felipe and Letizia (before Alois and Sophie) although, in your photo, she was not seated in the first row.

EDIT: By the way, this is the Duke of Edinburgh with the Pope and, later, Crown Princess Victoria (I don't understand why she was behind Prince Edward).

 

[An Ard Ri]

President Zelensky presented the Pope with a new and very special painting of Our Lady and child to mark his Papal Inauguration.
It was painted on the lid of a crate that was used to store heavy artillery munitions and was brought from the Izium area in Kharkiv Oblast.

 

[Somebody]

What part of the service was it when some of the Catholic monarchs (or their heir) and spouses (Albert, Charlene, Alois, Sophie, Philippe, Mathilde) kneeled while others remained standing (Henri, Maria Teresa, Felipe, Letizia)?

Scroll down for the picture.

And how lovely to see that the pope's eldest brother (and wife) had a first-row seat (same row as Mathilde, Philippe, two bishops (probably from Peru or others the new pope is close to) and the Vances). For some reason their middle brother decided to get on a plane almost immediately after his younger brother was elected but returned to the States last week on Tuesday, so didn't stay for the inauguration.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Catholics normally kneel during benediction prayers or before the Holy Communion rites .

 

[Alondra]

What part of the service was it when some of the Catholic monarchs (or their heir) and spouses (Albert, Charlene, Alois, Sophie, Philippe, Mathilde) kneeled while others remained standing (Henri, Maria Teresa, Felipe, Letizia)?

It wasn't just a "part of the service", they didn't kneel during the whole service, like Henry and Maria Teresa.

Felipe and Letizia are soveraigns of Spain - an "acofensional" country meaning it doesn't have a State religion under the Consitution. Their religious feelings are private and respect all religions without making

What part of the service was it when some of the Catholic monarchs (or their heir) and spouses (Albert, Charlene, Alois, Sophie, Philippe, Mathilde) kneeled while others remained standing (Henri, Maria Teresa, Felipe, Letizia)?

You won't see Felipe and Letizia kneeling in a mass. Felipe is the head of state of Spain, and Spain is "aconfesional", meaning we don't have an official religion as the State doesn't have one. All religions are respected but not singled out.

Felipe is the highest person in the land as a guarantor of the Constitution, and as such, he (and Letizia) won't kneel in a catholic mass. Standing up, and bowing their heads to give respect to religious symbols, is what's institutionally expected of them.

 

[Stefan]

It wasn't just a "part of the service", they didn't kneel during the whole service, like Henry and Maria Teresa.

Felipe and Letizia are soveraigns of Spain - an "acofensional" country meaning it doesn't have a State religion under the Consitution. Their religious feelings are private and respect all religions without making

You won't see Felipe and Letizia kneeling in a mass. Felipe is the head of state of Spain, and Spain is "aconfesional", meaning we don't have an official religion as the State doesn't have one. All religions are respected but not singled out.

Felipe is the highest person in the land as a guarantor of the Constitution, and as such, he (and Letizia) won't kneel in a catholic mass. Standing up, and bowing their heads to give respect to religious symbols, is what's institutionally expected of them.

I think Belgium also has no State religion but still Philippe was kneeling.

 

[Alondra]

Apologies for not completing my first post. I closed RF without completing it because life interfered and didn't realise it had been posted.

I think Belgium also has no State religion but still Philippe was kneeling.

I can't comment on Belgium's Constitution. I have no idea how it's redacted and how religion features in it. I also don't know if Phillipe had to swear it in Parliament

Felipe had to swear an oath to the Spanish Constitution before he could be proclaimed as king, and he's been strict adhering to his constitutional role.

 

[Mbruno]

What part of the service was it when some of the Catholic monarchs (or their heir) and spouses (Albert, Charlene, Alois, Sophie, Philippe, Mathilde) kneeled while others remained standing (Henri, Maria Teresa, Felipe, Letizia)?

It is hard to tell without context, but I would guess it is during the consecration of the bread and wine by the celebrant(s). It is customary for Catholics to kneel at that part of the Mass.

 

[sophie25]

Catholics are supposed to kneel at certain parts of the liturgy. It dosnt matter if you are a King, head of state whatever, it's for everyone, and Felipe and his wife are Catholics so they should have done so.

 

[Alondra]

Catholics are supposed to kneel at certain parts of the liturgy. It dosnt matter if you are a King, head of state whatever, it's for everyone, and Felipe and his wife are Catholics so they should have done so.

Sorry, that's not true. Catholic mass has changed a lot over the years, and few people attending actually kneel these days. I can't comment on how Catholics in different countries observe parts of the liturgy but I can without a doubt say that your post does not reflect the reality of catholic mass in Spain today. Most people kneeling are the older generation, but the majority stand and bow their head.

Same as wearing a mantilla. It's protocol in the Vaticano events but you'll rarely see a Spaniard attending mass wearing one these days.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

It wasn't just a "part of the service", they didn't kneel during the whole service, like Henry and Maria Teresa.

Felipe and Letizia are soveraigns of Spain - an "acofensional" country meaning it doesn't have a State religion under the Consitution. Their religious feelings are private and respect all religions without making

You won't see Felipe and Letizia kneeling in a mass. Felipe is the head of state of Spain, and Spain is "aconfesional", meaning we don't have an official religion as the State doesn't have one. All religions are respected but not singled out.

Felipe is the highest person in the land as a guarantor of the Constitution, and as such, he (and Letizia) won't kneel in a catholic mass. Standing up, and bowing their heads to give respect to religious symbols, is what's institutionally expected of them.

So why did Felipe bow and kiss the hand of Leo XIV when received privately in audience with him? Why did QL exercise her Blanc Privilege instead of dressing like an "afoconfensional" civilian?

Why does the king continue to make the Sign of the Cross (he frequently does) if the Spanish Constitution seems to require him to behave as an atheist in public?

I am not asking to be disrespectful. I am simply confused. To be forbidden to kneel at the Consecration of the Host during Mass is a blatant denial of HM's basic civil/religious rights.

I would feel exactly the same if a non Catholic or an atheist was forced to behave like a believer in public.

 

[sophie25]

Sorry, that's not true. Catholic mass has changed a lot over the years, and few people attending actually kneel these days. I can't comment on how Catholics in different countries observe parts of the liturgy but I can without a doubt say that your post does not reflect the reality of catholic mass in Spain today. Most people kneeling are the older generation, but the majority stand and bow their head.

Same as wearing a mantilla. It's protocol in the Vaticano events but you'll rarely see a Spaniard attending mass wearing one these days.

I live in Scotland and every mass I have ever been to in different churches everyone kneels at certain points unless they are physically unable to. I've been to masses in other countries too ( not Spain though)and it was the same. Maybe it's a Spanish thing.

 

[Alondra]

So why did Felipe bow and kiss the hand of Leo XIV when received privately in audience with him? Why did QL exercise her Blanc Privilege instead of dressing like an "afoconfensional" civilian?

Why does the king continue to make the Sign of the Cross (he frequently does) if the Spanish Constitution seems to require him to behave as an atheist in public?

I am not asking to be disrespectful. I am simply confused. To be forbidden to kneel at the Consecration of the Host during Mass is a blatant denial of HM's basic civil/religious rights.

I would feel exactly the same if a non Catholic or an atheist was forced to behave like a believer in public.

Felipe didn't kiss the Pope's hand. He and Letizia's bowed their heads over the ring as a sign of respect to the head of the Catholic church.

I apologise if my posts have been confusing. The Spanish Constitution doesn't require Felipe or Letizia to behave like atheists, they have the right to exercise their faith like everyone else in Spain and that includes making the sign of the cross or giving peace. However, Spain doesn't have an official religion because article 16.3 in our Constitution specifies it.

Felipe has been strict and careful to adhere to his oath to defend the Spanish Constitution and you'll never see any type of religious symbols around him in his office in Zarzuela, and that includes the day of his proclamation when crown symbols were displayed but not a religious one.

Kneeling is something that would create a lot of controversy in Spain because the action means obedience and institutionally he can't do that when the Constitution makes clear separation boundaries between the State and the church. It'd also create further controversy when hardly anyone kneels in mass anymore unless people are much older (because traditionally they've done so all their lives) or are deeply devout catholics.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Thank you for your thoughtful and articulate(as usual) response Alondra.

Kneeling at Mass is not because of "obedience" ...like a dog being trained by its owner. Catholics kneel as a symbol of faith and reverence in accordance with the Scriptural directive that *EVERY KNEE MUST BEND" at the mention of Jesus's name.

i am saddened and surprised that some people mistake reverence at what is sacred for mere symbolic obedience.

But these are the times in which we live.

On the other hand, you are right that some Catholics do stand for the Consecration. Here in the USA, it is not so much a generational thing as a personal preference. I always kneel because it simply feels right and natural to do so at the most sacred moment of the Liturgy.

 

[Somebody]

If being seen as a practicing Catholic is that much of a problem in Spain, Letizia should also forgo the right to wear white as by doing so, the couple accepts that their recognized status as 'Catholic monarchs'.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Felipe didn't kiss the Pope's hand. He and Letizia's bowed their heads over the ring as a sign of respect to the head of the Catholic church.

[...]

Kneeling is something that would create a lot of controversy in Spain because the action means obedience and institutionally he can't do that when the Constitution makes clear separation boundaries between the State and the church. [...]

But bowing is also a sign of obedience, at least in Western culture, which is why heads of state typically do not bow to one another. Does King Felipe VI bow to heads of state other than the pope?

I think Belgium also has no State religion but still Philippe was kneeling.

I can't comment on Belgium's Constitution. I have no idea how it's redacted and how religion features in it. I also don't know if Phillipe had to swear it in Parliament

Belgium indeed has no state religion and the King does swear "to observe the Constitution and the laws of the Belgian people, to preserve the country’s national independence and its territorial integrity.” Despite this, the Belgian king and queen recently posted about their private religious pilgrimage on the monarchy's official social media.

https://www.lachambre.be/kvvcr/pdf_sections/publications/constitution/GrondwetUK.pdf