In a moment rich with tradition and symbolism, Pope Leo XIV publicly declared himself a Roman as he formally assumed his role as bishop of Rome on Sunday.

According to the Washington Examiner, Pope Leo XIV’s possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica finalized his role as bishop of Rome, marking his full integration into the local diocese just weeks after being elected pope and succeeding Pope Francis.

The ceremony took place at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest and highest-ranking cathedral in Rome, which serves as the official ecclesiastical seat of the bishop of Rome. Although the pope holds this title automatically upon election, formal possession of the cathedral completes the traditional steps of assumption.

The evening liturgy was attended by members of the Roman clergy and many local Catholics. Pope Leo arrived in ceremonial dress, including a red papal cape and an embroidered stole, underscoring the importance of the centuries-old ritual.

During the Mass, Pope Leo quoted St. Augustine by saying, “With you I am Christian, and for you, bishop.” He told attendees that through this ceremony, he could now say, “For you and with you I am Roman,” affirming a special bond between himself and the city’s residents.

Papal Titles and Roman Identity Rooted in Tradition

Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, became the first American ever elected pope on May 8. Like his predecessors, he inherited many papal titles, including sovereign of Vatican City and leader of the global Catholic Church, in addition to becoming bishop of Rome.

Although Pope Leo holds the highest religious office in the city, daily administration of the Roman diocese is traditionally handled by the papal vicar due to the pope’s global pastoral responsibilities. Nonetheless, the rite of taking possession of the cathedral symbolizes his canonical presence in the local church.

Leo's assumption of the basilica comes just weeks before the start of the 2025 Holy Year, a special event in the Catholic tradition that occurs every 25 years and is expected to bring up to 30 million pilgrims to Rome. The city has spent two years preparing for the occasion through major infrastructure developments.

Solidarity with Romans Through Pilgrimage and Prayer

Following the Sunday ceremony, the pope visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major, another of the four major papal basilicas in Rome. He prayed there before two significant icons: the Salus Populi Romani, an ancient image of the Virgin Mary, and the tomb of Pope Francis.

Pope Francis, who died on April 21, was the first Latin American pope and is now interred in the same basilica. Pope Leo’s visit symbolized respect for his predecessor as well as continuity in pastoral mission and devotion to Marian figures within Catholicism.

Earlier in the week, Leo also visited St. Paul Outside the Walls, another of the major papal basilicas. Together with St. Peter’s Basilica, these four sites form the cornerstone of Catholic pilgrimage in Rome and hold considerable religious and historical significance.

City and Church Prepare for Historic Holy Year

Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri officially welcomed the new pope at City Hall, acknowledging the unique timing of Leo’s election. “It took place during a Holy Year,” Gualtieri said, describing it as a time that calls pilgrims from around the world to the Eternal City.

Pope Leo addressed this sense of civic and spiritual unity in his homily, emphasizing the importance of collaborative leadership. “To learn, understand, and decide things together,” he said, was key to guiding not just the Church but the people of Rome through the Holy Year and beyond.

He shared his feelings about the magnitude of his new role, describing it as both “serious” and “passionate.” He pledged to serve the Roman faithful with dedication, particularly during the influx of pilgrims and events associated with the Holy Year.

A Shift Continues in the Global Church

Leo’s election continues a shift in the Catholic Church’s leadership that began with his predecessor. While Pope Francis broke ground as the first pope from Latin America, Leo’s rise as the first American pope marks another milestone in the Church’s evolving global reach.

Yet, despite serving more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, Leo used Sunday’s ceremony to emphasize his local duties in Rome. By formally taking up his cathedral, he issued a reminder that the pope is not only a universal figure but also a local bishop responsible for guiding his immediate diocese.

The dual significance of the papacy—both as a leader of the global Church and the local Roman diocese—was fully on display throughout Sunday’s events and related visits to significant churches around the city.

As the Holy Year approaches, Leo's commitment to his role as bishop of Rome will be tested by the influx of millions and the need for both spiritual and practical leadership. Sunday's events may be ceremonial, but for Pope Leo XIV, they also mark the beginning of a challenging and historic chapter.