The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will be formally inaugurated on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with a Mass in St. Peter’s Square. This event marks the beginning of his papacy, following his election on May 8, 2025, after the death of Pope Francis.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago on September 14, 1955, Pope Leo XIV is the first U.S.-born pontiff and the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine. He has held various positions within the Church, including Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His election was seen as a bridge between North and South America and a continuation of Pope Francis’s legacy of social justice and humility.
In his inaugural homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the Church’s role as a beacon of light in a world facing moral uncertainty. He expressed concern over societal values that prioritize technology, money, and success over Christian teachings. The Pope also announced that he would retain the current Vatican leadership temporarily while he assesses future appointments.
The inauguration Mass on May 18 will be a significant moment for Catholics worldwide, as it ushers in a new era under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.
