Pope Leo XIV to begin his Pontificate with Inaugural Mass on May 18

The Vatican has officially announced that the inaugural Mass for the newly elected Pope Leo XIV will take place on Sunday, May 18, at 10.am in St. Peter’s Square. This Mass marks the formal beginning of his ministry as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. According to Vatican News, in the weeks leading up to this important event, Pope Leo XIV will be meeting with Church leaders, diplomats, journalists, and the faithful. His schedule reflects both the solemn responsibilities of his new role and his desire to listen and build relationships early in his papacy. A Week-by-Week overview of the

The Vatican has officially announced that the inaugural Mass for the newly elected Pope Leo XIV will take place on Sunday, May 18, at 10.am in St. Peter’s Square. This Mass marks the formal beginning of his ministry as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. According to Vatican News, in the weeks leading up to this important event, Pope Leo XIV will be meeting with Church leaders, diplomats, journalists, and the faithful. His schedule reflects both the solemn responsibilities of his new role and his desire to listen and build relationships early in his papacy. A Week-by-Week overview of the Pope’s first public events: May 10 (Saturday): First meeting with the College of Cardinals who elected him. May 11 (Sunday): Delivers the Regina Caeli prayer from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. May 12 (Monday): Holds a press conference with international media. May 16 (Friday): Greets members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See. May 18 (Sunday): Celebrates the Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate in St. Peter’s Square. May 20 (Tuesday): Takes possession of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. May 21 (Wednesday): Leads his first General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. May 24 (Saturday): Meets with members of the Roman Curia and Vatican employees. May 25 (Sunday): Takes formal possession of two more major basilicas: St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major, and leads the Regina Caeli. In a statement from the Holy See Press Office, it was also announced that Pope Leo XIV has asked all officials of the Roman Curia and Vatican City State to remain in their current positions "on a provisional basis." The Latin phrase used, donec aliter provideatur, means “until otherwise provided.” “The Holy Father wishes to take a certain amount of time for reflection, prayer, and dialogue before making any definitive appointments or confirmations,” the statement explained. One Vatican official said, “It’s clear that Pope Leo XIV wants to start his ministry by listening, to the Church, to the world, and above all, to God.” Many Catholics around the world are looking forward to May 18 with great anticipation. Maria Rossi, a pilgrim from Milan, said, “This Mass will be a beautiful moment of unity. It will be the start of something new, and I believe the Holy Spirit is guiding him.” The inaugural Mass is expected to draw large crowds to St. Peter’s Square, with delegations from around the world, including religious and political leaders. As the world gets to know Pope Leo XIV, these first few weeks offer a glimpse into his approach: one of patience, humility, and thoughtful leadership.