Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass at the Papal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, officially taking possession of the basilica as Bishop of Rome on Sunday. Before the Mass, he visited Rome’s Capitoline Hill and met with Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, expressing hope that Rome remains rooted in Gospel values. The pope reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Rome, saying, “For you and with you I am Roman!” He also met with Roman Curia officials and Holy See employees, thanking them for their service and dedication to the Church’s mission. In his address, Pope Leo emphasized listening, collaboration, and working in communion, echoing Saint Augustine: “As a Christian with you and a Bishop for you.” After the Mass at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, venerating the icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani, praying at Pope Francis’s tomb, and encouraging devotion to Mary. EWTN Vatican journalist Valentina Di Donato has more.
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