Pope Leo XIV declared “I am Roman!” When he completed the formalities and became the bishop of Rome
Rome – Pope Leo XIV declared himself Roman on Sunday as he completed the final ceremony, cementing his role as bishop of Rome.
The first American pope formally occupied St. John Reantan Basilica, the site of the Roman cathedral and parish, with Roman priests and faithful night masses attending the night.
Leo said in his actions that he wanted to “in order to learn together, understand and decide things.”
Leo was one of many champions he assumed when he was elected as the bishop of Rome on May 8. Given his responsibility for the 1.4 billion universal Catholic churches, the Pope delegated the daily governance of the Roman diocese to the pastor.
A ceremony held on Sunday in St. John Leathan and a stop at St. Mara Major Basilicas, Leo visited St. Paul outside the Wall Cathedral last week. Along with St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the four Popes are the most important cathedrals in the West.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri first welcomed Leo on the steps to the town hall, noting that his May 8 election fell in the Holy Year, an event that invites pilgrims to Rome every 25 years. The city has carried out two years of traffic jam public works projects and hopes to welcome 30 million people in 2025.
Leo said that during the Holy Year and beyond, he felt a “serious but enthusiastic responsibility” to serve all Romans.
Leo dressed in formal papal costumes and recalled what he said from the porch of St. Peter's Basilica at night. Pope Augustine quoted St. Augustine, saying: “You and I are Christians, bishops.”
“By the special title, today I can say for you, I am Roman!” he said.
Former Robert Prevost replaced the first Latin American pope Pope Francis. Francis died on April 21 and was buried in St. Mary Major, near Madonna's beloved idol.
