Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, formally assumed his role as bishop of Rome on Sunday in a ceremonial event held at St. John Lateran Basilica, the official cathedral of the Diocese of Rome.
The ceremony included an evening Mass attended by local clergy and residents, signifying his official possession of the basilica.
This tradition is a key part of a new pope’s installation as the bishop of the city, in addition to his role as leader of the global Catholic Church.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV traveled by popemobile to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. There, he prayed before the tomb of Pope Francis and the Salus Populi Romani icon of the Virgin Mary, a revered image with deep devotional significance in the Catholic faith.
The events marked the completion of the ceremonial process establishing Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral authority over the Diocese of Rome.
