Overview
- Pope Léon XIV, elected on May 8 as the 267th pontiff, is the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
- On Friday, he will address ambassadors from 184 countries in a speech expected to outline his vision on global affairs and peace.
- His inaugural Mass, marking the start of his papacy, will take place on Sunday in St. Peter’s Square with prominent international leaders in attendance.
- Early gestures and homilies by Léon XIV reflect a balance of continuity with Pope Francis and nods to past pontiffs like Benedict XVI and John Paul II.
- Analysts highlight potential reforms under his leadership, including expanded roles for women in the Church and changes to episcopal selection processes.