History is being made in Vatican City this weekend as Pope Leo XIV, the first American ever elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church, prepares to celebrate his inaugural mass. Thousands are expected to gather in St. Peter’s Square to witness this monumental event.
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, will officially begin his pontificate with a Holy Mass on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. local time—4 a.m. Eastern here in the U.S. The ceremony, known as the “Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate,” will take place in St. Peter’s Basilica, starting near the tomb of St. Peter, the Church’s first leader.
Before the mass begins, Pope Leo is expected to greet the tens of thousands of faithful gathered in the square. Vatican officials say he will deliver a wave from the basilica steps, a symbolic gesture of welcome to his new global congregation.
Two sacred symbols will be conferred upon the new pope during the service: the Petrine Pallium, a woolen band that rests on the shoulders and signifies his duty to shepherd the Church; and the Fisherman’s Ring, a golden signet that represents the pope’s role as the successor to Saint Peter, the fisherman and first pope. Traditionally, Catholics kiss this ring as a sign of reverence and loyalty.
After receiving the vestments, Pope Leo will offer his first official homily as pontiff, followed by the Regina Caeli prayer. The entire ceremony is expected to last just over two hours.
Among the dignitaries expected in attendance are U.S. Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the significance of this moment for the American faithful and the global Catholic community alike.
Pope Leo was elected the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The new pontiff quickly emerged as a favored candidate in the days leading up to the conclave. According to Vatican observers and theologians like Rev. James Martin, Leo’s reputation for humility and global outreach made him a compelling choice.
As the world prepares to witness this historic occasion, the faithful—and the curious—await the tone and message Pope Leo will set in this new chapter for the Church. We will have live coverage of the mass right here on SNEWS TV, along with analysis and commentary throughout the day.
Reporting by Megan Owen.
