Home World 'I am Roman,' Pope Leo says, as he becomes the bishop of...

‘I am Roman,’ Pope Leo says, as he becomes the bishop of Rome

Pope Leo XIV presides over a Mass in the St. John Lateran Basilica, formalizing his role as bishop of Rome in Rome on Sunday.

Pope Leo XIV presides over a Mass in the St. John Lateran Basilica, formalizing his role as bishop of Rome in Rome on Sunday. Gregorio Borgia/AP hide caption

toggle caption

Gregorio Borgia/AP

Pope Leo XIV declared himself a Roman on Sunday, in a ceremonial step to formalizing his role as bishop of Rome.

The bishop of Rome is one of many titles held by the pope.

On his way to the St. John Lateran Basilica for the final steps to take on the role of bishop of Rome, the pope stopped at Piazza Venezia in the center of Rome to meet with the mayor of the city, Roberto Gualtieri.

Speaking before a crowd, Gualtieri said the city of Rome is ready to accompany the pontiff “to affirm the paradigm of a new politics,” and ended his speech by welcoming him: “We are happy that Rome is now your city,” as translated by Vatican News.

Sponsor Message

The first pope from the United States responded to Gualtieri’s remarks, affirming his commitment as bishop of Rome. The pope said: “Today I can say in a special way that I am a Roman, with and for you,” as the Vatican news service translated.

Margaret Susan Thompson, a professor of history at Syracuse University whose research focuses on religion and politics, said Leo will not be “particularly involved in the day-to-day governing or administrative responsibility” as bishop of Rome. Those duties are usually delegated to an auxiliary or assistant bishop, known as a vicar, she said.

Pope Leo XIV waves upon his arrival at the Arch Basilica of St. John Lateran where he will presides over a Mass and takes possession of the Roman Cathedra, formalising his role as Bishop of Rome, in Rome, Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Pope Leo XIV waves upon his arrival at the St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome on Sunday. Andrew Medichini/AP hide caption

toggle caption

Andrew Medichini/AP

Regarding his statement declaring himself a Roman, Thompson said it was mostly “a symbolic gesture” rather than “a statement repudiating his United States or Peruvian citizenship.”

The pope was born in Chicago and spent two decades in Peru, where he gained citizenship.

The statement speaks to his “particular sense of pastoral responsibility to the people of Rome,” Thompson told NPR.

Although the current pope is the first from the United States, the last three popes before him were not Italian either, noted Thompson. “It’s not a governing statement. It’s an important symbolic statement and pastoral statement.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Must Read

Iran attacks a U.S. base in Qatar

In this screenshot from a video, missiles and air defense interceptors illuminate the night sky over Doha after Iran launched an attack on U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday. Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Getty Images Iran's state-run news agency Tasnim said Monday that Tehran launched missile attacks on

For Independence Day, NPR wants to know: What does freedom mean to you?

The stars and stripes, the national flag of the USA flutters during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17 in Pasadena, California. Stu Forster/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Stu Forster/Getty Images Nearly 250 years ago, the Founding Fathers

Israel strikes Tehran and Fordo site, as Russia backs Iran in deepening conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) greets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi prior to their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Monday. Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP hide caption toggle caption Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP Editor's note: To follow breaking news about an Iranian attack on U.S. bases in the Middle

Key takeaways from the U.S. airstrikes on Iran. And, how Iran could respond

Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. Today's top stories The Trump administration is defending its decision to strike three nuclear targets in Iran over the weekend. U.S. officials say the strikes

What are the wider repercussions of the U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites?

Enlarge this image WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 21: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation from the White House on June 21, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Carlos Barria/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Carlos Barria/Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 21: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation from