What was bestowed on Pope Leo XIV during his inauguration

Pope Leo XIV received the pallium and the Ring of the Fisherman as he was inaugurated as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Sunday.

The inauguration marks the beginning of Pope Leo XIV's papacy. It also features the bestowal of the Petrine episcopal insignia associated with St. Peter, the first head of the Catholic Church.

But what do these signify?

The pallium

During his inauguration Mass, Cardinal Deacon Dominique Mamberti placed the pallium on Pope Leo XIV’s shoulders.

It is a liturgical vestment made from lambs' wool, which symbolizes the Good Shepherd who carries the lost sheep on his shoulders and recalls St. Peter’s threefold response to tend to God’s flock.

The pallium also represents Jesus Christ, who lifted humanity by taking on human nature and died and resurrected.

The pallium is a narrow band featuring six black crosses and adorned with three pins, which signifies the three nails of Christ's crucifixion.

Ring of the Fisherman

Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, meanwhile, placed the Ring of the Fisherman on Pope Leo XIV's finger.

The ring bears the image of St. Peter with keys and a net. In the books of Luke and John, Peter encountered the miraculous catch of fish when he trusted Jesus Christ’s words.

The ring symbolizes the authentication of faith and the mission given to Peter to strengthen the Church’s faith. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News