On May 18, 2025, the inauguration of the pontificate of Leon XIV will take place. A Holy Mass inaugurating the pontificate of Pope Leon XIV will be celebrated on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's Square. In the days leading up to this significant event, the new Pope has a busy schedule that includes meetings with key figures in the Church and the media.
Tomorrow, May 10, 2025, Leon XIV will meet with cardinals. This meeting is expected to set the tone for his upcoming pontificate. On Sunday, May 11, 2025, he will lead the Regina Caeli prayer from the loggia of the Vatican Basilica, a tradition that is highly anticipated by the faithful. Following this, on Monday, May 12, 2025, he will receive representatives of the media from around the world, marking his first official interaction with the press.
As the week progresses, on May 16, 2025, the Pope will meet with members of the Diplomatic Corps, further establishing his role on the global stage. The inauguration ceremony on May 18 will be a pivotal moment, but the activities don't stop there. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, he will take over the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, a significant site in Catholic tradition.
The following day, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, will see his first general audience, where he will address the public and share his vision for the Church. This will be followed by a meeting on Saturday, May 24, 2025, with employees of the Roman Curia and the Vatican State, emphasizing his commitment to the internal workings of the Church.
On the next Sunday, he will lead the Regina Caeli prayer for the second time and ceremoniously take over the two remaining Papal Basilicas: the Lateran and St. Mary Major. This series of events marks a significant beginning for Leon XIV, who has already made a notable decision to retain all senior officials of the Roman Curia and nuncios for the time being.
The week of May 5 to May 9, 2025, was marked by dramatic events both in Poland and around the world. In Poland, the media spotlight was on a brutal murder at the University of Warsaw, where a 22-year-old student killed an administrative worker and seriously injured a security guard. This tragic event has led to a period of mourning and raised serious concerns about safety on university campuses.
In addition, a suitcase containing human remains was discovered in a river in Ustka, prompting an ongoing investigation. This macabre finding has shocked the local community and added to the sense of unease in the country.
Another significant story was the real estate scandal involving Karol Nawrocki, which has drawn public scrutiny. The political landscape in Poland is tense, with Jarosław Kaczyński defending Nawrocki while Donald Tusk accuses him of ties to organized crime.
On the international front, tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, resulting in at least 36 deaths and 94 injuries. China has offered to mediate in the conflict, highlighting its role as a key player in regional stability. Meanwhile, North Korea conducted missile tests, with one missile reportedly traveling 800 kilometers, prompting a strong reaction from Japan.
In a significant development, the USA and China resumed trade talks, marking the first official meetings since the onset of a trade war. The conclave in the Vatican, which lasted 24 hours, resulted in the election of Pope Leon XIV, with American Robert Franciszek Prevost becoming the new Pope.
On May 9, 2025, Russia celebrated Victory Day in Moscow, with a grand parade attended by President Vladimir Putin and foreign leaders, including Xi Jinping. This event served as a reminder of Russia's historical significance and its ongoing geopolitical ambitions.
The week also saw the commencement of the 2025 Matura exams in Poland. On May 5, 275,000 students took the Polish language exam, amidst a sudden drop in temperatures that saw some areas plummet to -5°C. The mathematics exam on May 6 was surprisingly easy for many students, a sentiment echoed by those who took the English exam on May 7.
As the week unfolded, discussions about housing policies and safety measures for the population were brought to the forefront by the Ministry of Interior and Administration. They announced a comprehensive plan that includes renovations of shelters and the establishment of landing pads at hospitals, along with specialized buses for emergencies.
In summary, the events of the past week have been a whirlwind of tragedy, political intrigue, and historical significance. The inauguration of Leon XIV is set against a backdrop of global and local challenges, making it a pivotal moment not just for the Catholic Church, but for the broader international community as well.
