The Belgian Royal House has confirmed breaking news about Queen Mathilde: she will attend the liturgy that marks the beginning of the new pontificate. The queen's trip will happen very soon, specifically on May 18. "Their Majesties the King and Queen attend the enthronement of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Rome," the statement explains.
This event marks the official start of the new pope's leadership, Robert Prevost, the first American and Augustinian pope. The ceremony will gather world leaders and faithful, symbolizing the unity of the Catholic Church. Among them is Queen Mathilde, who will attend with her husband, King Philippe of Belgium.
The Belgian Royal House confirms breaking news about Queen Mathilde
It has been a week since the Catholic Church chose the successor to Pope Francis after his passing last April. The election of Cardinal Prevost as the new pope prompted reactions from numerous Royal Houses. Among them is Belgium's, with Queen Mathilde at the head of the institution.
Following protocol, a mass will take place to mark the beginning of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. In this regard, the Belgian Royal House has issued a statement announcing that Queen Mathilde will attend the religious ceremony. It will happen next Sunday, May 18, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
"Their Majesties the King and Queen attend the enthronement of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Rome," explains the Royal House. The ceremony commemorates the beginning of the pontificate, and Pope Leo XIV will officiate a solemn mass. A large attendance of world and religious leaders is expected.
Queen Mathilde will represent Belgium at this event and will be accompanied by her husband, King Philippe of Belgium. Her presence highlights the importance of the event, as well as the union of European monarchies with the Holy See.
The Belgian Royal House, being of Catholic tradition, has kept a close relationship with the Holy See over the years. The queen's attendance reinforces this bond and underscores the historical ties between the Belgian monarchy and the Vatican.
The Belgian Royal House achieved the 'privilege of white' for Queen Mathilde
Queen Mathilde, as a Catholic consort, possesses the 'privilege of white,' allowing her to wear this color before the pope, instead of the traditional black. This privilege is shared by few queens, such as Letizia of Spain and Maria Teresa of Luxembourg.
It was in 2015 when the now-deceased Pope Francis granted Queen Mathilde the 'privilege of white.' The request was made by the Belgian Royal House, achieving the pontiff's approval.
It is unknown if Queen Mathilde will use her privilege on Sunday, as it is not an intimate audience with the pope. Being a religious ceremony, it is assumed that black will be the chosen color as a sign of respect and devotion.
Above all, because the inaugural mass will be an opportunity for world leaders to express their support for the new pope. The solemnity of the act reflects the global importance of the papacy and its influence on international affairs. Hence, numerous leaders and monarchies will present their respects to Leo XIV.
In this regard, the mass marking the beginning of Leo XIV's pontificate will be an event of great significance for the Church and the international community. The Belgian Royal House has already confirmed Queen Mathilde's attendance, who will join Kings Philippe and Letizia.