Pope Leo XIV will formally take up his role as leader of the global Catholic Church on Sunday, with a Mass in St. Peter's Square that will draw tens of thousands of well-wishers, including dozens of world leaders and European royalty.

Pope Leo XIV will preside over his inaugural mass Sunday, May 18, with world leaders and large crowds expected to gather in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, a conclave commenced May 7, bringing together a private group of cardinals tasked with voting for a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.