The Spanish royal family is set to attend the inaugural mass of Pope Leon the Fourteenth on Sunday at ten o’clock in the morning at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The mass is significant as it includes the pope receiving the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium, both important symbols of papal authority. Various delegations and heads of state are also expected to participate in this historic event.

King Felipe the Sixth and Queen Letizia previously attended the funeral of Pope Francis on April twenty-sixth, which gathered leaders from around the globe, including the President of the United States, Donald Trump. Notably, Prime Minister Sánchez will not be attending the mass, as he is engaged in a meeting in Baghdad with the Arab League discussing the situation in Lebanon.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed his attendance at the ceremony. Upon the election of the new pope, King Felipe highlighted the urgent call in Leon the Fourteenth’s inaugural message for overcoming confrontation and fostering mutual understanding in an increasingly polarised world.

The king remarked on the historic significance of Leon the Fourteenth’s election, noting this marks the first pope from the United States and a strong connection to Ibero-America. He expressed hope that the pontificate would ultimately serve as a true source of hope for humanity.