Pope Leo XIV Prays at Tomb of Francis, Prepares for First Sunday Address

Pope Leo XIV is set to deliver his first Sunday blessing and address to thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square today.

This marks a significant moment for the newly elected pontiff, who was chosen to lead the Catholic Church just days earlier, following the announcement of white smoke on Thursday.

During his first public address, Pope Leo will lead the congregation in the Regina Caeli prayer, a devotion in honor of the Virgin Mary.

After mass, he will offer a blessing to those in the square and share his reflections with the crowd.

On the day before, the Pope made a visit to a shrine outside Rome, before praying at the tomb of his late predecessor, Pope Francis, at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

This symbolic gesture reflects his deep respect for the late Pope and the legacy he leaves behind.

Pope Leo’s formal inauguration will take place on 18 May, in a special mass at St. Peter’s Square.

However, the 69-year-old pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, has already been active, holding his first Mass as Pope on Friday and meeting with cardinals on Saturday.

In these early engagements, he humbly described himself as an “unworthy” choice for the papacy, expressing his commitment to continue the legacy of Pope Francis.

During his address to cardinals, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of missionary work, serving the marginalized, and upholding social justice.

He also spoke about the relevance of the Church in defending human dignity in the modern world, especially amid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence.

The new Pope, the first American to occupy the papal throne, is seen as a leader of unity and continuity for the Church.