A Look at the Plans for Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass

Pope Leo XIV has assumed leadership of the Catholic Church, commencing his pontificate with a mass in the Sistine Chapel. During the service, he described his election as both a challenge and a gift.

Addressing the College of Cardinals, Leo stated that he was called to embrace this challenge and be blessed with this mission. He expressed confidence that he could rely on everyone to join him as they continue their journey as a church, a community, friends of Jesus, and believers, to spread the good news and the Gospel.

Although the Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has already led his first service for the cardinals, the formal papal inauguration Mass is scheduled for over a week from now. While there are no specific rules governing the time between the end of a conclave and the inauguration Mass, this year’s service will occur after a longer interval than the previous one. For instance, when Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, his inauguration took place only six days later.

The selection of Pope Leo, 69, who was born in Illinois and holds dual citizenship from the U.S. and Peru, where he dedicated many years as a missionary, has been met with enthusiasm worldwide. The first American Pope previously headed the church’s Dicastery for Bishops and voiced his intention to examine the .

Here’s what we currently know about Pope Leo’s inauguration Mass.

When is the inauguration Mass?

The inauguration Mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square.

In the lead-up to the inauguration, Leo has a packed schedule as he acquaints himself with his papal duties, including meetings with cardinals and the press, as well as prayer sessions.

What happens during the inauguration Mass?

Global leaders are expected to gather on May 18 for the papal inauguration Mass, which signifies the official start of the Pope’s term. Pope Francis’ 2013 inauguration included attendees such as —the second Catholic President in U.S. history, after John F. Kennedy—and former Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez.

The extensive service typically commences with a visit to St. Peter’s tomb inside the Basilica. Deacons collect two items: the fisherman’s ring and the pallium, a liturgical vestment worn by the Pope.

During , he joined nine other Catholic Church leaders at the Basilica for prayer. This was followed by a procession into St. Peter’s Square, accompanied by the chant “Laudes Regiae”—also known as “Christus vincit,” which is Latin for “Christ is King/Christ conquers.”

After his own rendition of this procession, the Pope will likely receive the pallium and ring as symbols of his assumption of the papacy.

The papal inauguration Mass will then begin. Although there is no set duration, Francis’ lasted approximately two hours.