Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to deliver his inaugural Sunday blessing and address to a congregation in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican today.
He will lead the Regina Caeli prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary, marking his first public address following his election, signified by the release of white smoke on Thursday.
Following the Sunday Mass, Pope Leo will offer blessings to the people gathered in the square and share his reflections.
The day before, he visited a shrine outside Rome and prayed at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Next week on May 18, Pope Leo will be formally installed at a mass in St. Peter’s Square.
The Pope was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, following a conclave in the Vatican City.
His first Mass as Pope was held in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, and he addressed the cardinals on Saturday.
In this meeting, he expressed humility and pledged to uphold the legacy of his predecessor, emphasizing missionary work, discussion, and care for marginalized groups.
He chose the name Leo, inspired by a 19th-century Pope known for his teaching on social justice.
The new Pope will address the media on Monday and deliver a homily during his inauguration next Sunday.
At 69, he is the 267th Pope and the first American to hold this position, leading a global Catholic community of 1.4 billion.
Born in Chicago as Robert Francis Prevost, he served as a missionary in Peru before becoming an archbishop there, acquiring Peruvian nationality as well.
Although an American, the Vatican considers him the second Pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis from Argentina.
Pope Leo is seen as a moderate who can provide continuity and unity after the passing of his predecessor last month.
He shares similar views on migrants, the poor, and environmental issues.
In his first speech, he expressed a desire to walk together as a united Church in pursuit of peace and justice.
