Pope Leo XIV faces packed days ahead as he steps into his new role in Vatican City. Just one day into his papacy, he is already set to handle a full agenda of religious ceremonies, diplomatic talks, and events tied to the 2025 Holy Year.
He started by leading Mass with cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel. His next public duties include a meeting with cardinals on Saturday and delivering prayers on Sunday from the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at midday (1000 GMT).
Pope Leo XIV faces packed schedule with key events
The Vatican announced that the formal inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV, the first US pope in 2,000 years of the Roman Catholic Church, will take place on May 18 in St. Peter’s Square.
Following this, he will take possession of Rome’s three major basilicas: St. Paul Outside the Walls on May 20, then St. John Lateran and Santa Maria Maggiore on May 25, where his predecessor Francis is laid to rest.
Upcoming meetings and audiences
Before these, the new pope will meet thousands of journalists on May 12 who covered the conclave. Then, on May 16, he will hold an audience with diplomats accredited to the Holy See, the world’s smallest independent state.
His first weekly general audience with the faithful is planned for May 21.
Continuing the 2025 Holy Year celebrations
Pope Leo XIV faces packed responsibilities as he inherits the ongoing 2025 Holy Year or Jubilee. This special event happens every 25 years, attracting millions of pilgrims to Rome for numerous celebrations and religious gatherings.
Various special meetings honoring choirs, families, and clergy are scheduled from May through the end of the year. A major youth jubilee is also set from July 28 to August 3.
One highlight is the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first saint of the millennial generation. Originally planned for April 27, it was postponed due to Pope Francis’ death and will need a new date.
Foreign travel decisions await Pope Leo XIV faces packed agenda
New popes often make a strong impression with their first trips abroad, and Pope Leo XIV faces packed choices about where to visit first. He must quickly decide whether to honor Francis’ plan to visit Turkey later this month for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, now in modern-day Iznik.
Going ahead with this trip would allow Pope Leo XIV to meet Patriarch Bartholomew, leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, symbolizing a renewed focus on Christian unity.
Continuing the Synod on Synodality
Pope Leo XIV also inherits the ongoing Synod on Synodality, a global consultation launched in 2021 to make the Church more inclusive. Ten working groups will present their findings in June on sensitive issues like women’s roles in the Church. This process was extended through 2028 by Pope Francis in March.
With these early commitments, Pope Leo XIV faces packed challenges and opportunities as he guides the Church into a new chapter.