Preparations Underway for Pope Leo XIV’s Installation Mass on May 18

Rome, May 16, 2025: Pope Leo XIV will be officially installed as the leader of the Catholic Church on Sunday, May 18, during a solemn inauguration Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will commence at 10:00 AM Rome time and will mark the beginning of his pontificate. The preparation for this historic liturgical celebration involves extensive spiritual, ceremonial, and logistical coordination to ensure the Mass is both reverent and meaningful for the global Catholic community.

The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff is meticulously organising every detail of the Mass. This includes selecting the readings and prayers to determining the placement of symbols such as the pallium and vestments. This careful planning ensures that the worship remains focused on Christ while honouring tradition and maintaining deep pastoral significance.

The Prefecture of the Papal Household is managing the flow of the ceremony, seating arrangements, processions, and coordination of dignitaries, church leaders, and international media. They also oversee crowd control to welcome the potentially hundreds of thousands of faithful expected in St. Peter’s Square.

Behind the scenes, harmonious teamwork among musicians, translators, seminarians, and the Swiss Guards will ensure that every detail is perfected—from sacred music rehearsals to the polishing of ceremonial items. The Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations oversees the entire operation, highlighting that the inauguration Mass is not merely a ceremony but a profound covenant between heaven and earth.

Courtesy: Vatican News

Image Credit: CNN