The Holy See Press Office has announced the liturgical itinerary of Pope Leo XIV for the month of May, a period traditionally dedicated to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. The schedule includes several high-profile celebrations and symbolic visits to major Papal Basilicas across Rome.

The highlight of the month is set for Sunday, 18 May, when Pope Leo XIV will formally begin his Petrine Ministry. On this Fifth Sunday of Easter, he will celebrate the Mass of Inauguration in St. Peter’s Square at 10 AM, marking the ceremonial start of his papacy.

Two days later, on Tuesday, 20 May, the Holy Father will undertake a pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where he will spend time in prayer at the tomb of the Apostle Paul.

On Sunday, 25 May, the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Pope Leo will preside over a Eucharistic Celebration at 5 PM in the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran—the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome. This solemn Mass will feature his official enthronement on the Cathedra Romana, symbolizing his role as the spiritual leader of the Diocese of Rome.

Later that evening, at 7 PM, the Pope will visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he will venerate the beloved Marian icon, Salus Populi Romani. This marks his second visit to the basilica this month. The first came after a surprise pilgrimage to a Marian sanctuary south of Rome, run by the Augustinian order. On his return, he stopped at St. Mary Major to pray before the icon and at the tomb of Pope Francis.

The month’s liturgical calendar will conclude on a deeply meaningful note. On Saturday, 31 May, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo XIV will preside over a Mass of Priestly Ordinations in St. Peter’s Basilica at 10 AM, continuing the Church’s mission of nurturing new vocations.

This schedule not only reflects the Pope’s devotion to Mary and the apostles but also underscores his pastoral commitment and reverence for the sacred traditions of the Church.