Pope Leon XIV. with Mass in Lateran took over the leadership of the Roman Diocese

Pope Leon XIV. Today, on Sunday, May 25, he donated a solemn Mass in the Pontifical Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. With this act, he also officially became the Bishop of Roman, which represents a key moment at the beginning of his pontiff. Today’s worship in this ancient Roman cathedral was also the conclusion of a series of religious ceremonies that accompanied the appearance of the new chief of the Catholic Church.

The Basilica of St. John Lateran, where the new pope today celebrated the Eucharist, has a great importance in history and symbolism of the Church. It is considered to be the oldest of the four large papal basilics in Rome and bears the honorary name « Mater et Caput Omnium ecclesiarum urbis et orbis » or « mother and head of all churches of Rome and World ». With the acquisition of this cathedral, the Pope formally occupies the position of the Roman bishop, which is the basis of his role of Peter’s successor. It is with the solemn worship in this basilica that Pope Leon XIV. Today it also actually took over this central bishop’s position.

Before the central ceremony in Lateran today, Pope Leon XIV was. He also met with the mayor of the city of Rome, Robert Gualtieri. According to foreign news agencies, both Pope and Mayor Gualtieri emphasized the importance of peace efforts in today’s world. This gesture indicates the Pope’s desire to cooperate with the city authorities of the eternal city, whose bishop’s service has officially performed today.

Today, for Pope Leon XIV. It is not yet concluded with the acquisition of the Lateran Basilica. He later visited the basilica of Maria Snežna (Santa Maria Maggiore). There he stopped in prayer at the grave of his predecessor, Pope Franciswho died 21. April this year.

Later, Pope Leon also visited the Basilica of Mary Snow (Santa Maria Maggiore). There he stopped there at the grave of his predecessor, Pope Francis Photo: Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters

Remember, Pope Leon XIV. was elected on the new church on the Cardinal Conclav as the new chief of the Catholic Church on May 8. His election represents a historic milestone, becoming the first American in this position. With today’s official acquisition of the Roman Bishops’ Chair, a new chapter of the management of the universal church led by Pope Leon XIV begins.