Pope Leo XIV is set to deliver his inaugural Sunday blessing and address to a gathering in St Peter's Square at the Vatican today.
In his first public statement since the announcement of his election with the appearance of white smoke on Thursday, he will recite the Regina Caeli prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Following the Sunday mass, Pope Leo will impart his blessing to those assembled in the square and share his thoughts.
On Saturday, he visited a shrine located outside of Rome and prayed at the tomb of his late predecessor, Francis, inside the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Pope Leo's formal inauguration will take place during a mass in St Peter's Square next week on 18 May.
The Catholic Church elected a new Pope on Thursday after a two-day conclave held in Vatican City.
It has been a hectic week for the pontiff, who celebrated his inaugural Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday and addressed the cardinals on Saturday.
During this gathering, he referred to himself as an unworthy selection for Pope and pledged to uphold the "precious legacy" of his predecessor.
He emphasized the significance of missionary efforts and dialogue, as well as caring for those he referred to as the "least and the rejected."
He explained that he chose the name Leo in honor of a 19th-century Pope recognized for his teachings on social justice.
The new Pope also indicated that the rise of artificial intelligence and other advancements made the Church essential today for defending human dignity and justice.
He is scheduled to meet with the media on Monday prior to his inauguration next Sunday.
During that Mass, he will deliver a homily in front of various heads of state and dignitaries.
At 69 years old, he is the 267th individual to sit on the throne of St. Peter and the first American to assume the papacy. He will lead the Catholic Church's global community of 1.4 billion members.
Originally named Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, he spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being appointed as an archbishop there. He also holds Peruvian citizenship.
Although Leo was born in the United States, the Vatican noted he is the second Pope from the Americas, the first being Pope Francis from Argentina.
Pope Leo is generally perceived as a moderate capable of providing "continuity" and "unity" following the death of his predecessor last month.
It is believed that the new pontiff shares Francis' perspectives on migrants, the less fortunate, and environmental issues.
In his debut speech, he expressed a desire "to walk together with you as a unified Church, collectively seeking peace and justice."
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