Everything Pope Leo XIV will receive during his inauguration ceremony

Pope Leo XIV will officially be inaugurated this Sunday in Vatican City, with tens of thousands of people expected to be in attendance.

The American, whose real name is Robert Prevost, was confirmed as the new vote following a quickfire conclave earlier this month, following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

Although he has already delivered his first Mass, the attention now turns to his official inauguration.

When is Pope Leo's inauguration?

The first American pope will be formally installed during a public mass on 18 May. The main service is expected to start at 10am local time (9am UK time).

The Vatican confirmed that it will take place in St Peter's Square.

What happens at the pope's inauguration?

Pope Leo is likely to turn up at the basilica in the beloved popemobile, waving to the crowd as he arrives.

It is up to the new pope what he wears, although he's likely to be in white, and if he follows in the footsteps of his predecessor then Pope Leo could well complete a performative act, such as kissing a baby's head or shaking the hand of a disabled man, as we saw with Pope Francis.

Pope Francis' inauguration in 2013 (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

He will then proceed into the basilica alongside fellow cardinals, where the presentation of gifts will begin.

What will the pope be presented with on Sunday?

There are usually perks that come with a new job, and considering the wage Pope Leo is receiving for his role, it's perhaps no surprise that his gifts are slightly more grand than the notepad and pen you usually find in a goody bag at work.

As is tradition, the new pope receives a new version of the golden fisherman's ring, which bears their name.

The ring is a symbol of the pope's authority and is presented to the newly elected pontiff. While it was once used to seal papal documents, it is now only used ceremonially.

Pope Leo's inauguration takes place this Sunday (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Pope Leo will also receive what is known as a pallium. It is a white lambswool vestment with crosses that signifies his ascension to the papacy, and comes from the wool of two lambs that have been blessed by monks.

Who will be at the pope's inauguration?

Despite their differences in some opinions, President Donald Trump was quick to congratulate the Chicago-born head of the Catholic Church, but it is Vice-President JD Vance who is expected to be in attendance.

Meanwhile, on the UK side of things, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, will represent King Charles at the inauguration.

It isn't clear at this point whether Keir Starmer will be in attendance, but Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has RSVP'd yes.