Pope Leo XIV Formally Installed as Bishop of Rome, voices 'I Am Roman!'
Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, formally completed the ceremonial procedures on Sunday, May 25th, to take possession of his cathedral as the Bishop of Rome. This initial step is his pontification which includes a Mass at the St. John Lateran Basilica and marked by his declaration of affinity with the city.
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Taking Charge of Rome's Cathedral
The central event was the formal possession of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, which serves as the cathedral church of Rome and the official religious seat of the Pope as Rome’s Bishop. Pope Leo XIV presided over an evening Mass at the basilica, attended by numerous Roman priests and lay faithful. Following this, he visited another of Rome's major papal basilicas, St. Mary Major, where he prayed before the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis. These visits are part of a tradition that includes St. Peter's Basilica and St. Paul Outside the Walls, signifying the Pope's connection to the foundational churches of the diocese.
Pontiff's Connection to His Diocese
In his sermon at St. John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV emphasised his desire to listen to the Roman people "in order to learn, understand and decide things together." Recalling words he spoke on the night of his election on May 8th, quoting St. Augustine – "With you I am Christian, and for you, bishop" – he then added a more personal affirmation: "By special title, today I can say that for you and with you I am Roman!" Earlier in the day, Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri had welcomed the new Pope, noting the significance of his election occurring during a Holy Year, an event expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims to the city in 2025. Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the "serious but passionate responsibility" to serve all Romans.
Pope Leo XIV's formal installation as Bishop of Rome is a key aspect of his papal office. His direct engagement with the Roman diocese, coupled with his expressed commitment to its people, is an important phase as he begins his leadership of the universal Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis who passed away in April.
