Pope Leo XIV will be officially inaugurated this Sunday, 18 May, at 10am local time in St. Peter’s Square, marking a historic moment as Robert Prevost becomes the first American pope. The 69-year-old Chicago native, known for his background in mathematics and missionary work in Peru, succeeds Pope Francis following his death on Easter Monday.
The ceremony will include traditional symbols of papal authority, such as the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium. Pope Leo is expected to arrive in the Popemobile and may echo his predecessor’s humble gestures. Attendees include U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Prince Edward, and President Zelenskyy.
Pope Leo has already called artificial intelligence the greatest challenge facing humanity, drawing comparisons to the Industrial Revolution and honoring Pope Leo XIII with his chosen name.
