Pope Leo XIV was in Rome, specifically at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, for his inauguration Mass on May 18, 2025. He presided over the Mass of Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry there, marking the official start of his papacy
. Prior to and during the inauguration, he also prayed at the tomb of St. Peter beneath the basilica’s main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica
. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and spent many years as a missionary in Peru before becoming pope
. However, at the time of his election and inauguration as pope, he was in Vatican City, leading the Catholic Church from its headquarters. In summary, Pope Leo XIV was at the Vatican in Rome, mainly in St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica, during his election and inauguration as pope in May 2025
