Pope Leo XIV, enthronement mass on 18 May in St Peter’s Square

The celebration marks the official start of the pontificate. First public commitments and prudent line on the Curia confirmed

Pope Leo XIV will preside over the enthronement mass on Sunday 18 May at 10am in St Peter’s Square. This was announced by the Prefecture of the Papal Household, which released the calendar of the new pontiff’s first commitments. The celebration, which marks the official start of the Petrine ministry, will be a solemn liturgy with the imposition of the pallium and the handing over of the fisherman’s ring, symbols of the episcopal role and the mandate to confirm in the faith.

The rite will take place as per tradition in front of the crowd of faithful gathered in the square, in the setting that best represents the Pope’s bond with the See of Peter. The pallium, made from lambs’ wool, will be imposed by the Cardinal Protodeacon: it represents Christ the Good Shepherd carrying the lost sheep on his shoulders, as Simeon of Thessalonica wrote. The fisherman’s ring, symbol of authority and apostolic guarantee, will be given by the cardinal dean.

In the meantime, Pope Leo XIV has already shaped the first acts of his pontificate. He has decided to temporarily retain all posts in the Roman Curia until further notice. ‘His Holiness has expressed the will that the heads of the Vatican institutions continue provisionally in their respective offices ‘donec aliter provideatur’,’ reads a note from the Vatican Press Office. The Pontiff wants to take time to reflect, pray and listen before making any confirmations or appointments.

Here is the calendar of his first official engagements

Today 9 May: meeting with the cardinal electors;

11 May: recitation of the Regina Coeli from the Central Loggia;

12 May: meeting with the international press;

16 May: audience with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See;

18 May: Holy Mass at the beginning of the pontificate;

20 May: taking possession of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls;

21 May: first general audience;

24 May: meeting with Roman Curia and Vatican employees;

25 May: second Regina Coeli, followed by the taking possession of the papal basilicas of St John Lateran and St Mary Major.

A start full of symbolic and pastoral appointments, heralding the new Pontiff’s vision for the Church.

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