VATICAN CITY – On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV conducted a private Mass near St. Peter’s tomb, preceding his inaugural Sunday noon blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican reported that Rev. Alejandro Moral Anton, leader of Pope Leo’s Augustinian order, was present at the Mass. This ceremony took place in the grottoes beneath St. Peter’s, traditionally believed to be the final resting place of the apostle who is recognized as the first pope.

The area, which is normally open to the public, also contains the tombs of past popes, including Pope Benedict XVI.

Even with an hour remaining before Pope Leo’s public appearance, St. Peter’s Square was already coming to life with crowds of pilgrims, supporters, and the curious, accompanied by several marching bands making an impressive entrance.

Leo on Saturday prayed before the tomb of Pope Francis, located across town at the St. Mary Major Basilica.

The 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary was elected 267th pope on Thursday, the first American pope. He appeared to the world from the same loggia, offering a message of peace and unity.

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