Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has made history as the first American to ascend to the Papacy. His inaugural Holy Mass is scheduled for today, marking the commencement of his leadership in the Roman Catholic Church.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents of French, Italian, and Spanish descent, Robert Prevost pursued his early education at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers. He later attended the Villanova University in Pennsylvania, earning a degree in Mathematics and studying Philosophy in 1977.
His commitment to service led him to missionary work in Peru, where he spent several years ministering to local communities. His experiences there deeply influenced his Pastoral approach and understanding of global Catholicism
Prevost’s dedication and leadership were recognised when he was appointed as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. In 2024, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Church.
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the College of Cardinals convened for a Conclave from May 7-8. On the fourth ballot, Cardinal Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, choosing the name Leo XIV. His selection was announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with all of you!”
Pope Leo XIV’s election is notable not only for his American heritage but also for his background as an Augustinian, marking the first time a member of this order has become Pope. His choice of the name Leo XIV suggests a commitment to social justice and the Church’s engagement with contemporary issues, echoing the legacy of Pope Leo XIII.
Inaugural Holy Mass
The service is set to begin at 10 am local Rome time. Pope Leo XIV will arrive at the Basilica in the Popemobile, no doubt gesturing to the eagerly waiting crowds as he makes his grand entrance. It will be a historic ceremony, and time has shown each Pope tends to make an odd alteration during each ceremony. For instance, Pope Francis did away with the famed bullet-proofed Popemobile, which was often used by his predecessors such as Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II, instead choosing an open-top jeep.
Pope Francis also wore a plain white Papal cassock and black shoes in contrast to the luxurious red loafers that attracted attention during Pope Benedict’s inauguration.
Another notable incident during Pope Francis’s inauguration was that he stepped out to kiss a baby’s head and shake hands with a differently-abled man in the crowd, before getting back in the converted vehicle. The new Pope, will be led into the Basillica by a procession of Cardinals, following which he will be offered two major items, symbolising his Papal powers at the Vatican.
One will be the famed Fisherman’s Ring, thus called to honour the first Pope, Saint Peter – who was a fisherman by trade. This gold signet ring is made especially for each new Pope, and bears the illustration of Saint Peter. The ring symbolises the commencement and conclusion of each Papacy – when a Pope dies, his ring is destroyed by the Camerlengo, a senior Cardinal.
The new Pope will be given a Pallium, a band of lamb’s wool representing his role as a shepherd which will be placed on his shoulders before the commencement of the Holy Mass. Pope Leo will then deliver a sermon to the adoring masses that will assemble at the St Peter’s Square proclaiming the themes of his Papacy.
The service will likely last for around three hours, thereafter, the Pope will meet many of the attending world leaders.
Famous attendees
Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, will represent King Charles at the inauguration, Buckingham Palace sources said.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to attend the ceremony, according to his top aide Andriy Yermak, who said the leader will be willing to hold talks with other world leaders while he is at the Vatican. There is no official confirmation from Donald Trump’s camp whether he will be attending the inaugural Holy Mass of the first-ever American Pope.
JD Vance, Vice President of the United States is expected to return to the Vatican for the Holy Mass, following his last month’s visit to meet Pope Francis, the day before he died.
Prior to his appointment Pope Leo had shared several posts on social media critical of President Trump and his Vice President, however, the US President has so far only said Leo’s Papacy is a “Great honour” for his country, while Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney has also confirmed his presence.
