Overview

• Pope Leo XIV was formally installed as the new pontiff on May 18, 2025, in a ceremony at St. Peter's Square, following his election on May 8.
• European royals, including Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and Princess Charlène of Monaco, attended the event to show solidarity with the Vatican.
• The royal women exercised the 'Privilège du blanc,' a tradition allowing Catholic queens and princesses to wear white, symbolizing purity and their ties to the Church.
• Queen Letizia wore a white lace mantilla with a floor-length dress, while Queen Mathilde paired her white mantilla with a blazer and pleated skirt; Princess Charlène opted for a floral-embroidered light-toned dress.
• Princess Victoria of Sweden, not entitled to the 'Privilège du blanc,' wore a black high-neck dress and lace veil, adhering to traditional Vatican protocol for non-Catholic royalty.