Pope Leo XIV
Mass of Thanksgiving upon the Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV
May 18
We invite you to join us in person or online on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 12:00 Noon ET, for a Mass of Thanksgiving upon the Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, coinciding with our new Holy Father’s formal inauguration in St. Peter’s Square.
Pray for Pope Leo XIV with the National Shrine
As the faithful around the world rejoice in the election of Pope Leo XIV, we invite you to join us in fervent prayer for our new Holy Father. To mark this historic occasion, we urge Catholics everywhere to commit to praying the Prayer for Pope Leo XIV, entrusting the Holy Father to the care of our Heavenly Father, and share a prayer or message of support.
Statement from Msgr. Walter Rossi on the Election of Pope Leo XIV
Upon receiving the news, Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the National Shrine, released a statement of congratulations and welcome: “It is with great joy that I extend my warmest congratulations to His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV… As our new Holy Father, Pope Leo becomes our spiritual leader, and shepherd of the Universal Church.”
Light a Candle for Pope Leo XIV
With hearts full of joy and gratitude, we welcome our new pope, Pope Leo XIV, chosen by the College of Cardinals under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Today, we invite you to light a candle at the National Shrine as a visible sign of your prayers and support for his papacy. Let this flame symbolize your hope, your faith, and your unity with the universal Church as we give thanks for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in this sacred moment.