Pope Leo XIV to Inaugurate Papacy on Shared Historic Date

Vatican City, 17 May, 2025 – On Sunday, 18 May, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Mass inaugurating his Petrine ministry in St Peter’s Square—a date already rich in papal significance. Remarkably, it also marks the birthday of Saint John Paul II, born on 18 May 1920 in Wadowice, Poland.

The connection is symbolic. When John Paul II was elected in 1978, he became the first non-Italian pope in over four centuries. Now, Leo XIV follows with a historic milestone of his own: becoming the first U.S.-born pope in the 2,000-year history of the Church.

Both pontiffs have made strong early impressions by invoking messages of courage and faith. In his 1978 papal inauguration, John Paul II boldly proclaimed: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.” Just days after his own election, Leo XIV echoed those very words during Mass in the Crypt of St Peter’s Basilica on 11 May.

"Take courage! Without fear!" he urged. "Many times in the Gospel Jesus says: ‘Do not be afraid.’ We need to be courageous in the witness we give — with the world, and above all, with life: giving life, serving, sometimes with great sacrifices to live out this very mission."

Later that same day, during his Regina Caeli address, Leo XIV again focused on youth, delivering a heartfelt appeal: “And to young people, I say: ‘Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord!’”

The continuity between popes extends to a shared devotion to the Virgin Mary. At only his second Angelus, John Paul II urged the faithful to embrace the Rosary: “The Rosary is my favourite prayer. A marvellous prayer — marvellous in its simplicity and in its depth,” he said. “In this prayer, we repeat many times the words that the Virgin Mary heard from the Archangel and from her kinswoman Elizabeth. The whole Church joins in these words.”

Similarly, early signs point to Leo XIV embracing a Marian spirituality. In March, before his election, he led the Rosary in St. Peter’s Square for the healing of Pope Francis. The day after his election, he made a surprise pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a Marian site administered by the Augustinians.

As Pope Leo XIV prepares to begin his ministry officially, these early acts suggest a papacy rooted in courage, compassion, and continuity—with deep reverence for both Christ and His mother. His inauguration on 18 May will not only be a beginning, but also a powerful reminder of the legacy he steps into.

Source : National Catholic Register