Pope Leo XIV to be enthroned on May 18

The enthronement mass of newly elected Pope Leo XIV will take place in St. Peter's Square on May 18, the Prefecture of the Papal Household has announced. 

The Mass will mark the formal beginning of his pontificate following his election on May 8 during a conclave convened after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media. 

In the days leading up to the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with members of the diplomatic corps and international journalists who have covered the historic transition. According to Vatican officials, the press office received more than 4,000 accreditation requests following Francis’ death—an echo of the massive media interest seen in 2013 when Francis held the first such meeting with journalists after his own election.

The new pontiff will deliver his first Sunday sermon on May 11, offering the faithful a first public glimpse of his spiritual leadership. A general audience will follow on May 21, continuing a tradition of weekly papal engagements.

Pope Leo XIV's early calendar also includes a Sunday sermon on May 25, which will precede ceremonial visits to two major papal basilicas: St. John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano), the official cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, and Santa Maria Maggiore (Lady of Grace).

These events coincide with the long-planned commemorations of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea—the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church—scheduled to take place in Türkiye. The celebrations were originally envisioned by Pope Francis a decade ago and are expected to involve both Catholic and Orthodox representatives.

By Sabina Mammadli