Next steps for Pope Leo XIV

eNCA

09-05-2025

VATICAN CITY - The Catholic world is closely watching the first words and actions of Pope Leo XIV, the first US pope.
Here is what we know about his schedule in the coming days:
First mass
The US-born Robert Francis Prevost celebrated his first mass as Pope Leo XIV on Friday morning in the Sistine Chapel, where he was elected by fellow cardinals on Thursday evening.
The mass was private, attended by red-hatted cardinals of all ages -- not just those under 80 who were eligible to vote in the conclave.
In his homily, broadcast live by the Vatican, the 69-year-old said the Church could be a "beacon" to reach areas suffering a lack of faith, which focus on "technology, money, success, power or pleasure".
First public prayer
Leo will make his second public appearance on Sunday at noon (1000 GMT), delivering a prayer in front of St Peter's Basilica.
This weekly event is generally an opportunity for the pope, after a prayer, to make a few comments on world events.
Leo made his first public appearance on Thursday evening from the balcony of St Peter's, shortly after his election, addressing tens of thousands of people in the square below.
First meeting with media
The pope will receive the world's press in an audience on Monday at 10 am (0800 GMT) in the vast Paul VI hall at the Vatican.
Inauguration
Leo XIV's inauguration mass will take place on Sunday, May 18, in St Peter's Square, and is expected to be attended by world leaders.
During the mass he will receive the papal ring, known as the Fisherman's Ring, and the pallium, a circular band of finely woven white wool worn around the neck.
The pallium is a symbol of the mission to uphold Church unity, while the Fisherman's Ring is a signet which was historically used to seal official documents signed by the pope.
Now given ceremoniously as a symbol of the papacy, the ring is traditionally destroyed or defaced after a pope's death.
The pope is expected to visit the other papal basilicas in Rome in the following days, including Santa Maria Maggiore -- where Leo's predecessor Francis is buried.
General audience
The pope will hold his first weekly general audience on May 21.
First meeting with Curia
He will then meet with the Roman Curia -- the Church's governing body -- and Vatican City State employees on May 24.
First trip?
The pope's choice of destination for his first trip will be closely watched for further insight into the direction in which he intends to take his papacy.
Francis had planned to visit Turkey at the end of May for the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea -- an important ecumenical event -- so Leo XIV could opt to go there.
On his election in 2013, the Argentine Francis surprised everyone by choosing as his first trip the small Italian island of Lampedusa, a gateway for African migrants to Europe.
Defending migrants became one of the pillars of his pontificate.
Where will he live?
Francis shocked part of the Church in 2013 by deciding not to move into the papal apartments in the gilded Apostolic Palace but live instead in a modest apartment in the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican. He remained there until his death last month.
The gesture was acclaimed by supporters of a humble pope but attracted criticism from conservatives who accused him of divesting the papacy of a sacred element.