The Vatican Press Office releases the official schedule of initial engagements over the coming weeks for Pope Leo XIV. Here are the key dates:

Immediate appointments

• May 10 (Saturday): Meeting with Cardinals
• May 11 (Sunday): Regina Caeli prayer from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica
• May 12 (Monday): Meeting with worldwide press

First formal engagements

• May 16 (Friday): Reception of Diplomatic Corps (Heads of Mission)
• May 18 (Sunday): Inaugural Mass for the Beginning of Pontificate, 10:00 am in St. Peter’s Square
• May 20 (Tuesday): Taking possession of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls
• May 21 (Wednesday): First General Audience of his pontificate
• May 24 (Saturday): Meeting with the Roman Curia and Vatican City State employees

Special celebrations

• May 25 (Sunday): Regina Caeli prayer, followed by taking possession of the three other Papal Basilicas:
  • Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran (the pope’s cathedral as Bishop of Rome)
  • Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major

The inauguration Mass on May 18 will be the formal installation ceremony where Pope Leo XIV will receive the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium as symbols of his papal office. The “taking possession” ceremonies of the four papal basilicas are traditional acts that underscore the pope’s role as Bishop of Rome and head of the universal Church.