News

Vatican Announces Date For Inauguration Of Pope Leo XIV

Published

5 days ago

May 9, 2025.

Vatican Announces Date For Inauguration Of Pope Leo XIV.
Former bishop in Peru, American-born, now 267th Catholic Pope.
Vatican officials, press, diplomats scheduled to meet him after Mass.

The Vatican has officially announced that the inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV will be held on Sunday, May 18, at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The historic event is expected to draw a global audience, with several world leaders, diplomats, and religious dignitaries in attendance.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV will begin a series of high-profile engagements.

According to a Vatican statement, he will meet with international journalists on Monday, May 19, and later receive diplomats accredited to the Holy See on Friday, May 23.

His first general audience with pilgrims and the public is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, while an official meeting with senior Vatican officials — known as the Roman Curia — will take place on Saturday, May 24.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on Thursday by the College of Cardinals as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis. At 69, the Chicago-born cleric brings a unique background to the papacy.

Prevost was appointed by Pope Francis in 2023 to head the influential Vatican office responsible for appointing bishops around the world — a move that highlighted his rising influence in the Church.

Though American by birth, Pope Leo XIV is also a Peruvian citizen, having lived and served for many years as bishop and later archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru. He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015.

His deep ties to Latin America — combined with his quiet, service-driven profile — have helped him bridge geopolitical and ecclesiastical divides. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost previously served two terms as the global head of the Augustinians and was tapped by Pope Francis to sit on the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Known for his humility and discretion, Pope Leo XIV has maintained a low profile despite holding significant influence. His leadership in shaping the Church’s episcopate worldwide was seen as a sign of the trust placed in him by his predecessor.

Vatican Inauguration Of Pope Leo XIV

As the Church turns a new page, all eyes will be on Pope Leo XIV as he steps formally into his role as the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics worldwide.