ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, proclaimed his identity as a Roman during a significant ceremony on Sunday, solidifying his position as the bishop of Rome. This momentous event took place as he completed the final ceremonial steps at the St. John Lateran Basilica, also known as Rome's cathedral and the seat of the diocese. The ceremony concluded with an evening Mass attended by local clergy and faithful, marking a pivotal point in his papacy.

Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV, who was elected on May 8, took a ride in the popemobile to St. Mary Major Basilica. There, he spent time in prayer at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, and at an icon of the Virgin Mary that holds great significance for many Roman Catholics. In his homily, Leo highlighted his intention to engage with the Roman community, stating that he wished to "listen to them in order to learn, understand and decide things together."

Upon his election, Leo assumed multiple titles, including bishop of Rome. The governance of the day-to-day administration of the diocese is typically managed by a vicar due to the pope's broader responsibilities overseeing the universal Catholic Church, which includes approximately 1.4 billion members worldwide.

Sunday's events at the St. John Lateran, alongside his visit to St. Mary Major, followed a previous trip to the St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica. Collectively, these four basilicas—St. John Lateran, St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls—represent the most significant churches within the Western Catholic tradition.

Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, officially welcomed Pope Leo XIV at City Hall. Notably, the mayor pointed out the timing of Leo's election during a Holy Year, an extraordinary event that occurs every 25 years to attract pilgrims to Rome. To prepare for this milestone, the city underwent extensive public works over the past two years and anticipates welcoming upwards of 30 million visitors in 2025.

During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV expressed the "serious but passionate responsibility" he feels to serve all Romans during the Holy Year and in the time to come. Dressed in his formal red papal cape and brocaded stole, Leo reflected on his earlier words from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on the night of his election. He quoted St. Augustine: "With you I am Christian, and for you, bishop." He concluded his remarks by emphasizing his commitment to the Roman people: "By special title, today I can say that for you and with you I am Roman!"

Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Robert Prevost, succeeded Pope Francis, who made history as the first Latin American pope. Francis is entombed at St. Mary Major, adjacent to the revered icon of the Madonna known as the Salus Populi Romani, which is a focal point of devotion for many believers.