The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will celebrate a special “Mass of Thanksgiving upon the Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV” on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 12:00 Noon ET in the Great Upper Church, on the same day of the inauguration of the new Holy Father at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass at the nation’s preeminent Marian shrine and patronal church.
Affectionately known as America’s Catholic Church, the Basilica invites the faithful to pray for Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff born in the United States, joining the Universal Church in thanking God for the new Holy Father. In a statement upon the election of the new pontiff, Monsignor Walter Rossi, Rector of Basilica, said:
“As Pope Leo began his Papacy invoking the assistance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception place Pope Leo XIV and his papacy in the care of Mary Immaculate.”
For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed at www.nationalshrine.org/mass.
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ABOUT THE BASILICA
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America, and it is among the 10 largest churches in the world. Dedicated to the patroness of the United States, the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica is the nation’s preeminent Marian shrine and patronal church and has been designated a national sanctuary of prayer and pilgrimage. Among those who have visited the National Shrine during its 100+ year history are Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Saint Pope John Paul II, and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta.