Overview

• The inauguration Mass, scheduled for 10 a.m. local time Sunday in St. Peter's Square, will mark the formal start of Pope Leo XIV's papacy.
• Born in Dolton, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope in the Catholic Church's 2,000-year history.
• The ceremony will include traditional papal rituals, such as the presentation of the fisherman’s ring and the pallium, symbols of papal authority and unity.
• Global dignitaries confirmed to attend include Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.
• The event is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees in person, with EWTN and Vatican Media providing livestream coverage for global audiences.