Pope Leo XIV Officially Assumes Role as Bishop of Rome
ROMA — Pope Leo XIV marked a significant milestone on Sunday by completing the ceremonial steps that affirm his title as the Bishop of Rome. As the first American pope, he formally took possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome, during an evening mass attended by local priests and faithful.
In his homily, Pope Leo expressed his eagerness to listen to the community, highlighting the importance of working together and making decisions collectively. When he was elected on May 8, he took on many titles, including that of Bishop of Rome. Given the vast responsibilities of leading over 1.4 billion Catholics, popes typically assign daily duties of the diocese to a vicar.
Sunday’s ceremonies at St. John Lateran were preceded by a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major and followed a recent trip to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. These four basilicas are among the most significant in the Western world, alongside St. Peter’s at the Vatican.
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, welcomed Pope Leo on the steps of the City Hall. He noted that the pope’s election coincided with a Holy Year, a special event occurring every 25 years that attracts pilgrims to the city. Preparations for this event have included two years of public works to ease traffic, with expectations of receiving over 30 million visitors in 2025.
Pope Leo expressed a "serious yet passionate responsibility" to serve all Romans during the Holy Year and beyond. Dressed in his official papal garments, he reflected on his words from the night of his election at St. Peter’s Basilica, quoting St. Augustine: "With you, I am Christian; for you, I am bishop." He added, "By special title, today I can say that for you and with you, I am Roman!"
Pope Leo, previously Cardinal Robert Prevost, succeeds Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, who passed away on April 21 and is interred at St. Mary Major, near a beloved icon of the Madonna.
