Pope Leo XIV has declared himself a Roman as he completes the final ceremonial steps cementing his role as the bishop of Rome. Leo formally took possession of the St.

Pope Leo XIV Sunday paid visits to the papal basilicas of St. John Lateran, where he was formally installed as Bishop of Rome, and St. Mary Major, assuring Romans of his closeness as their pastor, and stressing the need to walk together in unity.

Pope Leo XIV has completed the final ceremonial steps to formalizing his role as the bishop of Rome. The pontiff formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome’s cathedral and the seat of the diocese,