Old Catholic Delegation Attends Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV

On May 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his official inauguration Mass, formally titled the "Mass for the Beginning of the Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of Rome." The historic ceremony drew more than 200,000 pilgrims to St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, alongside dozens of world leaders and interfaith dignitaries. Among the global attendees was a prominent delegation representing the International Old Catholic Church.

The Old Catholic Church (OCC) was represented by its top leadership:

• The Most Reverend Bernd Wallet, Archbishop of Utrecht and OCC President.

• The Right Reverend Frank Bangerter, Bishop of Switzerland and OCC Secretary.

A New Chapter for Ecumenical Dialogue

The Old Catholic delegation expressed strong hope that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate will bring fresh momentum to the global ecumenical movement. In particular, the OCC remains deeply committed to the ongoing official dialogue between Rome and the Union of Utrecht, building directly upon Pope Francis’s landmark 2014 call to Old Catholic bishops:

"...to walk together, to pray together, and to work together in a deeper spirit of conversion towards all that Christ intends for his Church."

Shared Hopes for Justice and Synodality

The delegation noted that the Pope's choice of the name "Leo," combined with his clear focus on mission, synodality, and an approachable pastoral presence, sets an inspiring tone for his papacy. They look forward to a pontificate where the Bishop of Rome will firmly champion justice for vulnerable populations and serve as a bold voice for our fragile climate.

The Old Catholic representatives offer their heartfelt prayers for the ministry entrusted to Pope Leo XIV. They stand in solidarity with all those who, alongside the new Pope, feel called to answer his own challenging invitation:

"To build bridges through dialogue and encounter, uniting everyone to be one single people always in peace."