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Pope Leo XIV Installed as Bishop of Rome | Honours Pope Francis at Saint Mary Major | N18G

Pope Leo XIV was officially installed on Sunday, May 25, at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. Elected on May 8, he assumed his role as bishop of Rome and symbolically took possession of the throne of Saint Peter. In his inaugural address, he quoted Saint Augustine, saying, “Christian with you and bishop for you,” reflecting his Augustinian roots. After the mass, he blessed the people of Rome from the basilica’s balcony. Later, he visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he prayed at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 and chose to be buried there rather than in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Pope Leo also paid homage to the icon of Salus Populi Romani, a symbol of protection for Romans. Earlier in the day, he visited city hall and greeted the mayor, Roberto Gualtieri.

first published: May 26, 2025 01:37 pm