Pope Leo XIV presided over his inaugural Mass on Sunday. Years ago, it would have included a solemn moment when the pontiff was crowned with an elaborate gold and jewel-encrusted papal tiara.

And a few decades later, with Pope John XXII or Urban V, the third crown was added. The ensemble, topped with a small cross on a sphere or semisphere, would, as mentioned, last until 1963.

The last papal “coronation” was of Paul VI in 1963. He however, decided to sell the tiara and give the proceeds to charity.

Another tiara, worn by Pope Julius II in 1503, was valued at 200,000 ducats (each ducat containing 3.5 grams of pure gold).

Its central motif is in honor of St. Peter, considered the first Pope, and also a fisherman. It is part of the papal jewelry ritual that has sustained, long after the papal tiara was left behind ...

Pope Leo XIV has also chosen a motto that reflects the Augustinian tradition: 'In Illo uno unum', which means 'In the One, we are one', from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127.

Papal inauguration ceremonies have changed over the years. For centuries it also involved a “coronation,” which included placing the papal tiara on the new pope’s head.

Papal inauguration ceremonies have changed over the years. For centuries it also involved a “coronation,” which included placing the papal tiara on the new pope’s head.

Papal inauguration ceremonies have changed over the years. For centuries it also involved a “coronation,” which included placing the papal tiara on the new pope’s head.