Pope Leo XIV made a heartwarming gesture as he took his first ride in the popemobile at the inaugural mass this morning.

On May 8, the late Pope Francis’ successor was officially announced, with the role of head of the Catholic Church going to 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – whose papal name is Pope Leo XIV.

Following Pope Leo’s election as the new Pontiff, an inauguration mass is held in St Peter’s Square, in the Vatican city.

As Pope Leo arrived at the mass today (Sunday, 18 May), he could be seen riding through crowds waving at those who had gathered for the momentous occasion.

And in one sweet moment, the Pope could be seen making a heartwarming gesture to two families in the crowd.

Two babies were held up by their parents and passed to members of Pope Leo’s security team, who handed them over to the Pontiff.

The Pope then blessed each baby, before they were quickly handed back to their families.

The parents could be seen waving to Pope Leo and cheering as he continued in the popemobile, prior to the mass beginning.

Religious figures and world leaders will gather today to welcome Pope Leo, with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen present as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and US Vice President JD Vance.

Following the inaugural mass, Pope Leo is expected to reside in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.