Overview

• Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, was inaugurated as the first North American pope in St. Peter's Square on May 18, 2025.
• Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, represented King Charles III, who was absent due to ongoing cancer treatment, continuing a tradition of British royal representation at papal events.
• European Catholic monarchs, including King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco, attended the ceremony.
• The seven Catholic queens and princesses with 'the privilege of the white,' including Queen Letizia, Queen Mathilde, and Princess Charlene, adhered to the tradition of wearing white to Vatican ceremonies.
• The inauguration marked the official start of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate, during which he emphasized themes of peace and fraternity, with his first general audience scheduled for May 21.