US Vice President Vance Expected to Attend Papal Inauguration

The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, set for May 18 at St. Peter's Square, is anticipated to be a significant event, much like the recent funeral of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Vatican sources have indicated that prominent figures, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, may be present at the ceremony.

Pope Leo XIV, who hails from Chicago, will be officially inaugurated in a ceremony expected to draw a large international audience. The United States plans to send a substantial delegation to witness the historic occasion. President Zelensky, who attended Pope Francis's funeral on April 27, is also likely to be in attendance.

St. Peter's Square is expected to be filled with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists from around the globe, all eager to witness the inauguration of the new pontiff. The upcoming days will be busy for Pope Leo XIV as he prepares for his new role. On the Saturday before his inauguration, he will meet with the Cardinals, followed by his first public prayer, known as the 'Regina Coeli,' on Sunday at noon from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica.

Additionally, the new pope will engage with journalists from around the world on Monday at 10:00 AM in the Vatican audience hall, and will meet with ambassadors accredited to the Holy See on the following Friday, May 16.