ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV officially declared himself a Roman on Sunday, May 25, 2025, as he completed the final ceremonial steps confirming his role as the bishop of Rome. This event marked a significant moment in his papacy, particularly as he became the first American pope in history.

The newly elected Pope formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica during an evening Mass attended by local priests and members of the Catholic community. St. John Lateran is not only Rome's cathedral but also serves as the seat of the diocese, underscoring the importance of this ceremonial act.

In his homily, Pope Leo emphasized his desire to listen to the people of Rome, stating that he hopes to “learn, understand and decide things together.” He highlighted one of the pivotal titles he acquired upon his election on May 8: the bishop of Rome. While the pope oversees the vast responsibilities of the 1.4-billion member global Catholic Church, he typically delegates the day-to-day governance of the Roman diocese to a vicar, reflecting the collaborative nature of his leadership.

Sunday's activities at the St. John Lateran Basilica followed Leo's prior visit to the St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica, and included stops at the St. Mary Major Basilica. Together with St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, these four papal basilicas are recognized as the most significant in the West.

Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, welcomed Pope Leo at City Hall, noting that his election occurred during a Holy Year, an extraordinary event that draws pilgrims to Rome every 25 years. The city has undertaken two years of extensive public works in preparation for this occasion, anticipating the arrival of approximately 30 million visitors in 2025.

Pope Leo expressed his “serious but passionate responsibility” to serve all Romans during this Holy Year and in the years to come. Cloaked in his formal papal attire, he recalled the words he spoke from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on the night of his election, quoting St. Augustine: “With you I am Christian, and for you, bishop.” He concluded with a heartfelt declaration of unity, saying, “By special title, today I can say that for you and with you I am Roman!”

Robert Prevost, who assumed the papal role as Leo XIV, succeeded Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American pope and passed away on April 21, 2025. Pope Francis is interred at St. Mary Major Basilica, near a revered icon of the Madonna.