Pope Leo XIV will officially take the helm of the global Catholic Church on Sunday, 18 May 2024, during a grand Mass in St Peter’s Square. The ceremony is expected to attract tens of thousands of well-wishers, including a notable roster of world leaders and European nobility.
Crowds Anticipated in Rome
Starting at 10am, the Mass is expected to see crowds spilling into the streets around the iconic square. This marks a significant moment as the 69-year-old Pope, born in Chicago, will also enjoy a celebratory first ride in the iconic popemobile.
- Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States.
- He is also the first pope with Peruvian citizenship.
- This event follows the passing of Pope Francis on 21 April 2024.
Notable Attendees
World leaders attending the ceremony include:
- US Vice President JD Vance
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- Several royal figures from Spain, Belgium, and other nations
Papal Priorities
In the lead-up to his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo has made his intentions clear regarding peace. He has expressed a commitment to fostering dialogue and has offered the Vatican as a space for mediation in global conflicts. His first public words upon election—”peace be with you all”—set the tone for his papacy.
A Ceremony with Global Touch
Attendees can expect prayers in various languages, embracing the diversity of the 1.4 billion-member Church. As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Pope Leo XIV will receive significant items of papal regalia:
- A pallium, signifying his role as a shepherd
- The fisherman’s ring, which will be used to seal official documents
This Mass represents not just a changing of the guard but a rallying point for the global Catholic faithful, reinforcing the Church’s mission in today’s world.