Pope Leo XIV will preside over his inaugural mass today in front of St Peter’s Basilica, which marks the formal start of his papacy. JD Vance, Marco Rubio and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are attending.

Pope Leo XIV will be inaugurated as pontiff at a Mass in St Peter's Square. The service will mark the official start of his papacy. Leo was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church earlier this month following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and a two-day conclave in Vatican City.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected 267th pontiff by the College of Cardinals during a papal conclave on May 8, 2025. His predecessor, Pope Francis, created him a cardinal in 2023.