Pope Leo XIV Set for Installation on May 18

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will be installed during a Mass on May 18, 2025. His first general audience will take place three days later, on May 21.

The Vatican has shared details of Pope Leo’s upcoming activities, including meetings with cardinals, church officials, the media, and members of the diplomatic community. He will also engage with the general public.

Traditionally, all Vatican department heads lose their positions after the death of a pope. However, Pope Leo has requested that these officials remain in their roles temporarily, as he plans to take time for prayer, reflection, and dialogue before making any permanent decisions on their appointments.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass as pope earlier this week in the Sistine Chapel, where he was joined by the College of Cardinals who had elected him. Dressed in white vestments, he entered the chapel and offered a blessing before the altar, with Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” behind him.

Born in Chicago as Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV was elected as the 267th pope on Thursday. He is the first North American to hold the position. He succeeds Pope Francis and is expected to continue his predecessor’s work on social justice issues.

In his inaugural homily, Pope Leo XIV spoke in Italian, urging cardinals to be brave witnesses to the Gospel, particularly in places where faith is marginalized or mocked. He cautioned against seeing Jesus merely as a heroic figure and warned that many baptized Christians live as though God does not exist. He concluded his message with a prayer asking for the strength to allow Christ to guide his papacy.

Reflecting on his missionary work in Peru, the pope spoke about the challenges of preaching the Gospel in tough environments. He emphasized that while believers in some places face opposition, those are the areas where the Church’s presence is most crucial.

In his first address to the cardinals, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for their trust and support, asking for their help in advancing the Church’s mission.