Pope Leo XIV had a busy Sunday with a schedule full of events: the Regina Caeli prayer in the morning, taking of possession of St. John Lateran in the afternoon, and a visit to St. Mary Major to finish the day.
However, before heading to the Cathedral of Rome, the Pope made a stop along the way. He paused at the foot of the Capitoline Hill staircase, where Rome’s City Hall is located and where the mayor of the city was waiting to pay the Pope tribute.
ROBERTO GUALTIERI, Mayor of Rome
We take this gesture of yours, Your Holiness, as a confirmation of the affection you feel for Rome, something we deeply appreciate and reciprocate with all the generosity that — as you have seen these past few days — our city is capable of.
Pope Leo XIV spoke about the collaboration between both institutions, each within its own sphere. He also emphasized the spiritual and social dimension of the Pope’s mission. But it was with the following words that he received a round of applause from those present:
POPE LEO XIV
Right after the election, I reminded the brothers and sisters gathered in St. Peter’s Square that I am with them as a Christian and for them as a bishop: today, in a special way, I can say that for you and with you, I am Roman.
With this decision, Pope Leo XIV has revived an ancient tradition, in which the city of Rome — of which he is bishop — pays him tribute before he proceeds to St. John Lateran to take possession of the Basilica.
CA
TR: CRT
