Felipe VI's gesture with Pope Leo XIV that everyone is talking about comes to light

The inaugural mass of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV has left an image that everyone is talking about: the gesture of Felipe VI with the new pontiff. The King of Spain not only shook the Holy Father's hand with solemnity, but he also showed an attitude that he hadn't shown before during a protocol greeting.

This moment of King Felipe and Queen Letizia in St. Peter's has become one of the most talked-about images of the day. What did this gesture really mean? What message is behind this brief but intense interaction between the Spanish monarch and Pope Leo XIV?

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia present at the inaugural mass of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV

The Vatican has witnessed one of the most solemn acts in the Catholic Church: the inaugural mass of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. Representatives from more than 150 international delegations attended this celebration, including the Spanish delegation, led by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.

The event took place this very morning in St. Peter's Square in Rome, where the royal couple arrived minutes before the litanies began. From there, the procession led by the new Pope and accompanied by cardinals and Eastern patriarchs began.

The most notable moment of the day was not the liturgical development or the official speeches, but a human, spontaneous, and deeply symbolic detail. It was the gesture of King Felipe VI during his greeting to the new Pontiff.

The gesture of Felipe VI with Pope Leo XIV that everyone is talking about during his greeting

After the ceremony ended, Felipe and Letizia were received by the Pope inside the Vatican basilica. When it was the turn of the Spanish delegation, observers noticed something particular in the interaction between the monarch and the Pope. Felipe VI shook the Holy Father's hand with notable cordiality, simultaneously making a respectful nod with his head.

While the King shook the Pontiff's hand firmly, it was also seen how his left hand lightly touched the Pope's arm. However, what truly caught attention was that during the conversation, the King repeatedly placed his hand over his heart. This universal gesture is interpreted as a sign of sincerity and deep respect.

Experts have highlighted the significant bow Felipe made, slightly more pronounced than usual in these encounters. This special deference reflects not only institutional respect toward the figure of the Pope as a spiritual leader but also recognition of Leo XIV in his recent appointment.

The Spanish monarch's body language was especially revealing. Felipe VI kept an upright but relaxed posture at all times, with his shoulders back, projecting confidence and respect simultaneously. Additionally, his slightly raised eyebrows during the conversation suggested genuine interest in the pontiff's words.

The attitude of Queen Letizia during the greeting to Pope Leo XIV

Meanwhile, Queen Letizia also showed an impeccable attitude during the meeting, although with differentiated nuances compared to her husband's interaction. Doña Letizia made a more subtle bow, in line with the protocol differences that are usually applied according to gender in this type of diplomatic encounters with high religious representatives.

The Spanish monarch maintained a serene and composed expression at all times, alternating with discreet smiles that reflected cordiality without detracting from the solemnity of the moment. Her posture, characterized by elegance and openness, conveyed respect and attention toward the new pontiff.

A notable detail was the placement of her hands, which remained together or slightly at her sides, in a posture that experts interpret as receptive and respectful. At certain moments, her right hand seemed to establish a subtle contact with Felipe's, which could be interpreted as a gesture of support given the importance of the diplomatic moment.

In short, the gesture of Felipe VI with Pope Leo XIV has transcended the protocol to become a symbol of respect and closeness. In a ceremony full of solemnity, a brief but intense interaction between the King and the new pontiff has captured worldwide attention. Are we witnessing the beginning of a new stage in the relations between Spain and the Church under the leadership of Leo XIV?