Pope Leo XIV Prays at Tomb of Predecessor Francis Ahead of Historic Address

In a significant moment for the Catholic community, Pope Leo XIV offers prayers at the tomb of Francis to honor his predecessor before delivering his first public address in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Leo XIV is set to deliver his first Sunday blessing and address today at St. Peter's Square, following his election earlier this week. He will recite the Regina Caeli prayer to honor the Virgin Mary, marking his first public appearance since white smoke signaled his election on Thursday.

On Saturday, Pope Leo made a solemn visit to a shrine and prayed at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. His formal inauguration is scheduled for next Sunday, 18 May.

Elected after a two-day conclave, the 69-year-old pontiff held his first Mass at the Sistine Chapel and addressed cardinals, expressing humility and a commitment to continuing the legacy of Francis. He emphasized the need for missionary work and advocated for those marginalized in society. Choosing the name Leo was a tribute to a 19th-century Pope known for his teachings on social justice, and Leo recognized the role of the Church in addressing modern challenges such as advancements in artificial intelligence.

On Monday, he will engage with the media ahead of a mass anticipated to be attended by various heads of state. The 267th pope and the first American pontiff, Leo was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago but has ties to Peru, where he served as a missionary. Lauded for his moderate views, he aims to promote continuity and unity within the Church, echoing Francis' messages on migration and environmental stewardship. In his first speech, he called for a collective pursuit of peace and justice within the Catholic community of 1.4 billion globally.