Manila Times
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Monday, May 19, 2025
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Pope Leo XIV Inaugurated as the First U.S. Pontiff
Formerly Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV is officially inaugurated amidst global attention and a significant ceremony.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, was inaugurated on May 8, 2025, becoming the first pope from the United States.
The 69-year-old pontiff succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, after suffering a stroke in the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV is now the 267th pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church, which comprises approximately 1.4 billion adherents worldwide.
The formal commencement of his papacy is marked by a ceremonial Mass scheduled to take place at St. Peter’s Square on May 11, 2025. This inaugural Mass is anticipated to attract tens of thousands of Catholics along with numerous political leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
The Mass is set to begin at 4 p.m. Philippine time (10 a.m. local time / 0800 GMT).
Prior to the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV is expected to greet attendees from the popemobile at 3 p.m. (9 a.m. local time / 0700 GMT).
This vehicle has been a traditional means for indicating the connection of the pope with the faithful, a practice embraced by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The Vatican has prepared extensively for this significant occasion, responding to the global interest surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s election and the implications of his leadership for the Catholic Church during a period marked by various global challenges.
The 69-year-old pontiff succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, after suffering a stroke in the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV is now the 267th pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church, which comprises approximately 1.4 billion adherents worldwide.
The formal commencement of his papacy is marked by a ceremonial Mass scheduled to take place at St. Peter’s Square on May 11, 2025. This inaugural Mass is anticipated to attract tens of thousands of Catholics along with numerous political leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
The Mass is set to begin at 4 p.m. Philippine time (10 a.m. local time / 0800 GMT).
Prior to the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV is expected to greet attendees from the popemobile at 3 p.m. (9 a.m. local time / 0700 GMT).
This vehicle has been a traditional means for indicating the connection of the pope with the faithful, a practice embraced by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The Vatican has prepared extensively for this significant occasion, responding to the global interest surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s election and the implications of his leadership for the Catholic Church during a period marked by various global challenges.
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