In a press statement released on Tuesday morning the Royal Palace announced that King Filip and Queen Mathilde will travel to Rome this Sunday to attend the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, was elected Pope last Thursday. He is the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church and the first US-born cleric ever to hold the position. Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.
The ceremonial inauguration will be held on Saint Peter’s Square. World leaders and other dignitaries from around the globe are expected to attend.
The Belgian royal couple also attended the funeral of Pope Francis.