Pope Leo XIV has formally assumed his role as Bishop of Rome, declaring himself “Roman” during a series of traditional rites held on Sunday across some of the city’s most sacred basilicas.
The newly elected pontiff, the first American to hold the papacy, concluded the ceremonial process by taking possession of two significant Roman churches: the Basilica of St John Lateran and the Basilica of St Mary Major. These rites serve to symbolically present him to the people of Rome as their spiritual shepherd.
While the pope holds numerous titles as head of the Catholic Church, including that of Bishop of Rome, the daily administration of the Roman diocese is typically delegated to a vicar due to the pope’s broader global responsibilities.
The visits to the basilicas come just days after Pope Leo made a similar pilgrimage to St Paul Outside the Walls. Together with St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, the four churches constitute the principal papal basilicas of Western Christendom.
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At Rome’s Capitoline Hill, Mayor Roberto Gualtieri greeted the pope, highlighting the significance of his election on 8 May—during a Holy Year, a tradition observed every 25 years that draws pilgrims from across the world. The city has spent the last two years undertaking major infrastructure projects in preparation for the 2025 jubilee, anticipating some 30 million visitors.
Speaking from the steps of the basilica, Pope Leo, 69, formerly Robert Prevost, acknowledged the weighty but heartfelt duty he feels towards the citizens of Rome. “I feel the serious but passionate responsibility to serve all Romans during the Holy Year and beyond,” he said.
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Clad in full papal regalia, he echoed the words spoken during his first appearance on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica: quoting St Augustine, he said, “With you I am Christian, and for you, bishop.” “By a special title, today I can say that for you and with you I am Roman!” he concluded. Pope Leo succeeds Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, who passed away on 21 April and is interred at St Mary Major, near a revered icon of the Madonna.
