New pope, new public holiday: the Vatican has adapted its calendar.
As usual, both the day of the election and the Pope's name day become Vatican public holidays.
The "Vatican News" portal reported on the corresponding adjustments (Monday).
Accordingly, employees will have time off on 8 May from next year.
On this day, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and Leo XIV took office as the 267th pope in the history of the Church.
Leo, whose real name is Robert Francis Prevost, celebrates his name day on 17 September. This is the feast day of St Robert Bellarmin (1542-1621), a Jesuit, cardinal and papal adviser.
This day will also be a free day within the Vatican in future.
Francis' election day and name day cancelled
The date of 13th. March, when Francis was elected Pope in 2013, will be removed from the calendar.
This also applies to 23 April, the feast day of St George - Francis' civil name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
A pope's birthday is no reason for the Vatican to stop work.
Francis used to make little fuss about his birthday on 17 December. Leo XIV is looking forward to a milestone birthday this year: he will be 70 years old on 14 September.
