Pope Leo XIV to lead inaugural mass Sunday, thousands expected to gather

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, is set to lead his inaugural mass on Sunday in Vatican City. The Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate will commence at 10 a.m. local time, with thousands of attendees expected to witness this historic event.

Prior to the mass, Pope Leo will greet the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica. The ceremony will begin by the tomb of St. Peter, a significant symbol in the Catholic faith. During the mass, Pope Leo will receive the Petrine Pallium and Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing his role as the shepherd of the church and successor of St. Peter, respectively.

The Pallium, a white band adorned with black crosses and pins, represents the pope’s responsibility to guide the church. The Fisherman’s Ring, a gold signet ring, signifies the pope’s authority and connection to St. Peter. It is a tradition for Catholics to kiss the pope’s ring as a sign of respect and devotion.

Following the presentation of the Pallium and Ring, Pope Leo will deliver a homily and lead the Regina Caeli prayer. The mass is expected to last approximately two hours, after which the pontiff will greet delegations and guests.

Among the distinguished guests attending the mass are Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected as the 267th pontiff on May 8, succeeding Pope Francis who passed away on April 21.

Cardinal Prevost emerged as a front-runner for the papacy in the days leading up to the conclave. He was the only U.S. cardinal on the list of potential candidates for pope, as compiled by The Associated Press. This historic moment marks a new chapter in the Roman Catholic Church, with Pope Leo XIV becoming the first American to lead the faithful worldwide.

ABC News’ Phoebe Natanson and Christopher Watson contributed to this report.