Pope Leo 14th declared himself Roman on Sunday after completing the final formalities as a bishop of Rome. The first American Pope formally took over the throne in the Rome’s church ‘St. John Letter Basilica’ and held a collective prayer meeting in the evening in the presence of Roman priests and followers.
He then went to ‘St. Mary Major’ from ‘Popmobile’ (a specially prepared vehicle for the Pope), where he prayed in front of the picture of Pope Francis and a picture of Virgin Mary. In his sermon, Leo said that “he wanted to feel close to himself to” learn, understand and decide together “.
Leo received several titles on May 8, one of which is Rome Bishop. The ceremony held on Sunday at St. John Lateran and the visit to St. Mary Major Basilica was last week after Leo’s visit to St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica.
Leo was first welcomed by Rome’s Mayor Roberto Guultieri on the stairs of the city hall. Leo said, “On getting a special degree, today I can say that I am Roman.