Pope Leo XIV will deliver the Regina Caeli prayer today in honor of the Virgin Mary, marking his first public appearance since his election was announced with the traditional white smoke on Thursday. The new pontiff, who was elected during a two-day conclave, has had a whirlwind introduction, celebrating his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel just a day earlier.
On Saturday, Pope Leo visited a shrine outside Rome and paid respect at Francis' tomb within the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. He is expected to formally inaugurate his papacy at a mass on May 18, where he will deliver a homily in front of various heads of state and dignitaries.
As the 267th pope and the first American to hold the title, Robert Francis Prevost seeks to continue the legacy of compassion and advocacy for the marginalized established by Pope Francis. He expressed his hopes for the church to engage in discussions about human dignity and social justice, echoing sentiments about the significance of addressing modern challenges like artificial intelligence.
Acknowledging the importance of unity and collaboration, Pope Leo shared his vision for the church, stating, "I want to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice." He is anticipated to have an audience with the media tomorrow, further emphasizing outreach to the global Catholic community of approximately 1.4 billion members.
On Saturday, Pope Leo visited a shrine outside Rome and paid respect at Francis' tomb within the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. He is expected to formally inaugurate his papacy at a mass on May 18, where he will deliver a homily in front of various heads of state and dignitaries.
As the 267th pope and the first American to hold the title, Robert Francis Prevost seeks to continue the legacy of compassion and advocacy for the marginalized established by Pope Francis. He expressed his hopes for the church to engage in discussions about human dignity and social justice, echoing sentiments about the significance of addressing modern challenges like artificial intelligence.
Acknowledging the importance of unity and collaboration, Pope Leo shared his vision for the church, stating, "I want to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice." He is anticipated to have an audience with the media tomorrow, further emphasizing outreach to the global Catholic community of approximately 1.4 billion members.
