Pope Leo XIV presides over a Mass within the St. John Lateran Basilica, formalizing his position as bishop of Rome in Rome on Sunday.
Gregorio Borgia/AP
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Gregorio Borgia/AP
Pope Leo XIV declared himself a Roman on Sunday, in a ceremonial step to formalizing his position as bishop of Rome.
The bishop of Rome is one in every of many titles held by the pope.
On his technique to the St. John Lateran Basilica for the ultimate steps to tackle the position of bishop of Rome, the pope stopped at Piazza Venezia within the heart of Rome to satisfy with the mayor of the town, Roberto Gualtieri.
Talking earlier than a crowd, Gualtieri stated the town of Rome is able to accompany the pontiff “to affirm the paradigm of a brand new politics,” and ended his speech by welcoming him: “We’re pleased that Rome is now your metropolis,” as translated by Vatican Information.
The primary pope from america responded to Gualtieri’s remarks, affirming his dedication as bishop of Rome. The pope stated: “At this time I can say in a particular approach that I’m a Roman, with and for you,” because the Vatican information service translated.
Margaret Susan Thompson, a professor of historical past at Syracuse College whose analysis focuses on faith and politics, stated Leo won’t be “significantly concerned within the day-to-day governing or administrative duty” as bishop of Rome. These duties are normally delegated to an auxiliary or assistant bishop, often called a vicar, she stated.
Pope Leo XIV waves upon his arrival on the St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome on Sunday.
Andrew Medichini/AP
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Andrew Medichini/AP
Relating to his assertion declaring himself a Roman, Thompson stated it was principally “a symbolic gesture” somewhat than “an announcement repudiating his United States or Peruvian citizenship.”
The pope was born in Chicago and spent twenty years in Peru, the place he gained citizenship.
The assertion speaks to his “explicit sense of pastoral duty to the individuals of Rome,” Thompson instructed NPR.
Though the present pope is the primary from america, the final three popes earlier than him weren’t Italian both, famous Thompson. “It isn’t a governing assertion. It is an necessary symbolic assertion and pastoral assertion.”
