Pope Leo XIV will officially begin his papal ministry with an inauguration mass on Sunday, May 18, in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced today.
The historic event, taking place ten days after the election of Robert Francis Prevost as the first American pope, is expected to draw thousands of faithful pilgrims and a host of world leaders to the heart of Vatican City. Prevost, who chose the name Leo XIV upon his election, now leads the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics as the 267th successor to Saint Peter.
The inauguration mass, a traditional ceremony symbolizing the formal start of a new pontificate, will include the presentation of the pallium and the fisherman’s ring—symbols of the pope’s authority and spiritual leadership. Security preparations are already underway as dignitaries from around the globe prepare to attend the high-profile event.
