The official installation of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Supreme Pontiff will take place on May 18 in St. Peter’s Square, as announced by the Vatican. The solemn ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. local time and will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.

Ahead of the inauguration, Pope Leo XIV is set to deliver the traditional Three Hours Prayer from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at noon tomorrow, addressing the faithful gathered in the square. He is also scheduled to meet global journalists on Monday and diplomatic envoys on May 16.

On May 17, the new pope will gather with members of the College of Cardinals, continuing with a series of engagements, including a meeting with international media on May 19 and diplomatic corps on May 23. The Vatican has confirmed that pilgrims and the faithful will be welcomed in the square on May 21, marking the first opportunity for a public audience under the new pontificate.

The first weekly general audience under Pope Leo XIV will be held in Paul VI Hall on May 21. He will meet with staff of the Roman Curia and Vatican City State on May 24. On Sunday, May 25, he will once again address the faithful during the Three Hours Prayer, and will perform a special consecration ceremony at the Papal Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, is the first pope hailing from the United States. Born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, he entered the Augustinian Order in 1977 and made his profession in 1981. He was previously the Archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops before his election to the papacy.