The Vatican has set aside Sunday, May 18, for the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, formally launching the pontificate. The mass will be held at 11:00 AM EAT in St. Peter’s Square.
The Holy See Press Office released the new pope’s official schedule, outlining a packed and symbolic series of events that span diplomatic, liturgical, and pastoral milestones. The calendar begins with a meeting with the College of Cardinals on Saturday, May 10, and stretches through Sunday, May 25, when Pope Leo XIV will take formal possession of Rome’s major basilicas.
The days leading up to the Mass include key moments such as the Regina Caeli prayer from the Central Loggia on May 11 and the first official audience with the international press on May 12. On May 16, the pope will meet with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, in his first address to the global diplomatic community.
After the Mass inaugurating his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV will proceed to take possession of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on May 20. He will deliver his first General Audience on May 21, a regular weekly engagement with pilgrims and visitors, and meet with the Roman Curia and Vatican City State employees on May 24 , a key gathering that often shapes the direction of a new papal administration.
On Sunday, May 25, Pope Leo will once again lead the Regina Caeli prayer before formally taking possession of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major, completing the traditional rites of installation for a new Bishop of Rome.
In a separate statement, the Vatican confirmed that all officials in the Roman Curia and the Vatican City State Commission will remain in their roles donec aliter provideatur “until otherwise provided.” Pope Leo XIV has requested time for “reflection, prayer, and dialogue” before making any formal appointments or structural changes.
The schedule reflects the gravity and momentum of a new papacy already drawing global attention. With more than 1.4 billion Catholics looking on, Pope Leo XIV’s first steps as pontiff are set to combine tradition, diplomacy, and careful deliberation.
