OTTAWA (CCN) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Rome to attend the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV on May 18.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said Carney will be in Italy from May 16 to 19 to attend the Mass, which will take place in St. Peter’s Square.
While in Rome, the Prime Minister will also meet with other world leaders to “discuss deepening trade, commerce, and cultural ties,” the PMO said.
Carney, who is Catholic, congratulated Pope Leo on May 8, saying, “I join Catholics in Canada and around the world in congratulating Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope.”
The start of a new papacy is “a moment of renewal, hope, and unity for more than a billion faithful worldwide,” Carney said. “This is a historic moment for the Catholic community and for all those who look to the Vatican for guidance.”
He extended his best wishes on behalf of Canadians, saying, “At a time of profound global challenges, may his pontificate be marked by wisdom, discernment, a deep commitment to common good, and dignity of all.”
He concluded, “Canada looks forward to working with His Holiness to build a world guided by solidarity, justice, and sustainability.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also congratulated Pope Leo, saying, “I join with Catholics in Canada and around the world in expressing our best wishes and prayers for Pope Leo XIV as he takes his place as the 266th successor of St. Peter.”
He added, “May his tenure as Supreme Pontiff help lead the Catholic Church to renew the faith of its members, and help promote peace, justice and truth throughout the world.”
The inauguration Mass formally marks the beginning of his ministry with the reception of the fisherman’s ring and the pallium, a wool band worn around the shoulders.
The Vatican also released Pope Leo XIV’s public schedule for May, including the following dates:
- May 16: Meeting with diplomats accredited to the Holy See
- May 18: Mass for the solemn inauguration of the pontificate at 10 a.m. Rome time (1 a.m. PDT) in St. Peter’s Square
- May 20: Formal possession of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
- May 21: First weekly general audience
- May 24: Meeting with members of the Roman Curia and employees of Vatican City State
- May 25: Recitation of the Regina Coeli in St. Peter’s Square, followed by formal possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (cathedral of the Diocese of Rome) and the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
