VATICAN CITY — Global dignitaries and faith leaders from around the world will gather in Vatican City on Sunday as Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV presides over his inauguration Mass, which will officially mark the beginning of his ministry as the 267th pontiff.
Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Augustinian missionary raised in south suburban Dolton, made history May 8 when he was elected as the first American-born pope in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.
The spiritual leader of some 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, Pope Leo XIV began his term with a message of unity and bridge-building, urging prayer “for the whole Church, for peace in the world.”
Here’s what to know about the pope’s upcoming inaugural Mass:
When will it take place?
The liturgical service is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Rome, 3 a.m. Central Time.
Where will it occur?
The Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Designed by famed Italian sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, the landmark square is known for its iconic elliptical colonnades, which symbolize embracing the faithful.
Where can the service be viewed remotely?
EWTN Global Catholic Television Network plans to livestream the Mass.
Who is expected to attend?
American dignitaries include Vice President J.D. Vance, who will lead a U.S. delegation to the inauguration Mass. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, will be joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic, and Second Lady Usha Vance. International leaders scheduled to attend include Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
How many people are expected to attend?
The event is free to the public and tickets aren’t required. While it’s hard to predict how many people will arrive, the crowd at the inaugural Mass of predecessor Pope Francis in 2013 was estimated at 150,000 to 200,000.
What rituals are part of the service?
The new pope is expected to be presented with the official symbols of his papacy. The pallium, a liturgical vestment made of wool from lambs raised by Trappist monks, symbolizes the pope’s role as the shepherd of the faithful; the pope’s pallium is worn on the shoulders, fastened with three pins resembling the nails of the cross, according to the National Catholic Reporter.
The Fisherman’s Ring, also known as the Piscatory Ring, represents the pope’s connection to St. Peter; the ring is smashed or broken after a pontiff’s death.
How long will the service last?
There’s no set end time. The inaugural Mass for Pope Francis lasted roughly two hours.
