The Vatican announced plans for a formal inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, to be held in mid-May, with May 18 under consideration, following his election as the 267th pontiff on May 8.
The 69-year-old American, the first non-European pope since 741, celebrated his first Mass on May 9 in the Sistine Chapel, but the inauguration, expected to draw 100,000 pilgrims to St. Peter’s Square, will mark his official assumption of papal duties. The event, part of the 2025 Jubilee expecting 30 million visitors, will emphasize Leo XIV’s vision of a “missionary Church.”
Prevost, a Chicago native and Augustinian priest, chose the name Leo to honor Pope Leo XIII’s social justice legacy. His election followed Pope Francis’ death on April 21, with a conclave of 133 cardinals selecting him as a bridge between progressive and conservative factions. The inauguration Mass will feature multilingual readings, reflecting the 1.4 billion Catholics’ diversity, and a homily outlining his priorities: poverty alleviation, affecting 9.2% globally, and interfaith dialogue, amid 15% of global conflicts involving religion. The Vatican’s AI-driven livestream will reach 500 million viewers.
Preparations include enhanced security, with 5,000 Italian police, and sustainability measures, like solar-powered lighting, aligning with Leo XIV’s environmental focus, given 2024’s 1.5°C temperature rise. His missionary work in Peru, where 12% of the population is indigenous, informs his outreach to the Global South, home to 60% of Catholics. Challenges include addressing clergy abuse, impacting 6% of U.S. Catholics, and women’s roles, with 70% of Catholics favoring female deacons per 2024 Pew surveys. The Mass will symbolize a new era for the Church, with Leo XIV’s U.S. roots—70 million Catholics—heralding a historic papacy.