History is set to unfold in the heart of Vatican City as the newly elected head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, will be formally inaugurated on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The ceremony, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, will mark the official beginning of his papacy.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, has already made history as the first American-born pontiff. His election follows the passing of Pope Francis and signals a new chapter for the global Catholic community.
With roots in both the United States and Peru, the 69-year-old brings a blend of pastoral experience and cross-cultural insight, especially from his missionary work in Latin America.
His first Mass as pope, held in the Sistine Chapel, offered a glimpse into his vision for the Church—one rooted in compassion, clarity, and moral leadership.
Now, as preparations mount for the May 18 inauguration, thousands are expected to converge on the Vatican, especially as the event aligns with the ongoing 2025 Jubilee Year.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV is expected to hold his first general audience on May 21, where he will begin regular interactions with the faithful, outlining priorities for his pontificate in a world hungry for spiritual and ethical guidance.
