Tens of thousands are expected to gather in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV formally assumes leadership of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church with a grand inaugural Mass, attended by world leaders, royalty, and religious dignitaries.
The 69-year-old pontiff, born Robert Prevost in Chicago and also holding Peruvian citizenship, becomes the first American and Peruvian pope in the Church’s history.
His election on 8 May followed a brief conclave, less than 24 hours long, after the death of Pope Francis on 21 April.
Sunday’s Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) and marks Pope Leo's first public celebration in the white popemobile.
His homily is expected to outline key priorities for his papacy, with peace emerging as a central theme.
“Peace be with you all,” were his first public words following his election—a message he has since reinforced in meetings with leaders of the Eastern Catholic Churches, pledging the Vatican's role as a potential mediator in global conflicts.
The multilingual liturgy will reflect the Church’s global diversity, featuring prayers in Latin, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Polish, and Chinese.
Prominent international guests include US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and heads of state from Peru, Israel, Nigeria, Italy, Canada, and Australia.
Also attending are German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
European royalty such as King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain will occupy VIP seats near the altar.
As part of the investiture, Pope Leo will receive the pallium, a woolen vestment symbolising pastoral care, and the fisherman’s ring, a gold signet bearing St. Peter’s image, traditionally destroyed upon a pope’s death.
Though he has praised Pope Francis’ legacy, Leo has not signalled clear policy continuities.
His address today is expected to give the first substantial insights into his vision for the future of the Catholic Church.
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