Inauguration of
Pope Leo XIV

Inauguration of the Last 3 Popes on Vatican City stamps: Pope John Paul II (Scott 646, 1979) Pope Benedict XVI (Scott 1296, 2005) Pope Francis (Scott 1524, 2013) In an announcement released by the Holy See on Friday, May 9, the Inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV has been scheduled for next Sunday, May 18. In addition, the Holy See announced a series of events to take place during the month of May as the newly-elected pope begins his pontificate. Included in the press release from the Holy See Press Office was the following list of events: Saturday, May 10: First meeting with Cardinals Sunday, May 11: First Regina Caeli prayer from the Central Loggia of St. Peter's Basilica Monday, May 12: First meeting with the international press Friday, May 16: First meeting with the Diplomatic Corps (Heads of Mission) Sunday, May 18 (10 AM): Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate at Saint Peter’s Square Tuesday, May 20: Taking possession of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Wednesday, May 21: First General Audience Saturday, May 24: Meeting with the Roman Curia and Vatican City State employees Sunday, May 25: three events: (1) Regina Caeli Blessing, Saint Peter’s Square (2) Taking possession of the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran (3) Taking possession of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major The Press Office also announced that Pope Leo “wish[ed] that the Heads and Members of the Institutions of the Roman Curia, as well as the Secretaries and the President of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State, continue, on a provisional basis”. This indicates that the holders of these offices, who terms ended with the death of Pope Francis, are being reinstated into their respective roles “donec aliter provideatur” (until otherwise provided). This process allows the pope “time for reflection, prayer, and dialogue” before making any “definitive appointments or confirmations.” It would be an understatement to say that the new pope has a packed schedule in his first month as pontiff. In addition to the events listed above, there are some overhanging commitments that need to be addressed. The Holy Year of 2025 continues, with many events and celebrations tied to the Jubilee Year. In addition, one of the highlights of the Holy Year is the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, which was postponed from April 27 due to the death of Pope Francis. A new date has yet to be scheduled. And, it will need to be determined whether Pope Leo will be able to fulfill the commitment made by Pope Francis to attend the celebration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea being held in Iznik, Turkey. That anniversary falls on May 20. It certainly appears Pope Leo XIV will need to hit the ground running in the month of May. REFERENCE: VaticanNews.va, May 9, 2025, Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV to be held on May 18 Crispian Balmer, Reuters.com, May 9, 2025, Pope Leo faces packed schedule, inherits many events from Francis Vatican Philatelic Society website, www.vaticanstamps.org, Stamp Database Search