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Chicago native Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, will be inaugurated this weekend at Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square.
This marks a historic moment as he is the first American to lead the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration follows the passing of Pope Francis on April 21st and his subsequent election last week.
While the event is expected to draw a large crowd of world leaders, religious figures, and members of the public, two key figures will be absent: King Charles and Prince William. Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, will represent the UK and the Royal Family in their stead. Buckingham Palace has not offered an explanation for the King and Prince William’s absence, fueling speculation about the reasons behind their decision.
This isn’t the first time senior royals have skipped a papal inauguration. Both Queen Elizabeth and then-Prince Charles were absent from Pope Francis’s inauguration in 2013, sending the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as representatives.
However, Prince Philip attended Pope Benedict XVI’s inauguration in 2005. Prince William did attend Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26th.
The Vatican is anticipating a large influx of visitors for the inauguration, perhaps comparable to the estimated 200,000 who attended Pope Francis’s inauguration in 2013. The official ceremony begins at 10 AM local time (4 AM EST).