In a significant moment for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV is set to give his first Sunday blessing and address to an expected crowd in St Peter's Square at the Vatican today. This event follows his election earlier this week, where white smoke signaled the conclusion of the two-day conclave. During his inaugural public address, Pope Leo will recite the Regina Caeli prayer, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, before delivering a personal reflection and blessing after Sunday Mass.
The new pontiff visited a shrine just outside Rome on Saturday and paid homage at the tomb of his late predecessor, Pope Francis, inside the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. His formal inauguration is scheduled for next week on May 18.
Elected in a quick conclave, Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Robert Francis Prevost, swiftly embraced his role, having celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel. He engaged with cardinals the day after his election, humbly categorizing himself as an "unworthy choice" meant to preserve the cherished legacy of his predecessor. He spoke passionately about the church's mission to support the marginalized and highlighted his chosen papal name, Leo, reflecting the teachings of a 19th-century Pope celebrated for advocating social justice.
As a leader at the helm of a diverse global Catholic community of 1.4 billion, Pope Leo emphasized the church's relevance in the contemporary discourse on artificial intelligence and human dignity. He is anticipated to engage with the media on Monday ahead of his official inauguration, where his homily will be delivered in the presence of numerous dignitaries.
At 69 years old, he becomes the 267th Pope and the first American to attain this role, holding both American and Peruvian citizenship. Despite his US origins, the Vatican has remarked that he stands as the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis of Argentina. Known for his moderate stance, Pope Leo XIV is seen as a figure capable of providing continuity and harmony in the wake of the previous papacy. In his debut speech to the public, he reiterated his commitment to walking together with the Church community towards peace and justice.
