Pope Leo XIV officially took on the role as the new Pope after his grand declaration at St. Peter’s Basilica. The final ceremonial steps of the process were seen through which means the American Pope is now the Bishop of Rome.
Pope Leo XIV is the 267th pope, but the first Pope to come from America. The religious leader has spoken about the importance of unity between Catholics around the world.
Pope Leo was born in Chicago to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred MartÃnez. He is of French, Italian, and Spanish descent. He is known to speak several languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.
The Pope recently took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, which is the seat of the diocese. He then travelled to St. Mary Major in the popemobile. The vehicle is designed for the Pope to use during his public appearances. He offered a prayer at Pope Francis’ tomb and an icon of the Virgin Mary at the basilica.
The Pope mentioned how he wanted to listen to them “in order to learn, understand, and decide things together” in his homily. After he got elected as the Pope, he also became the bishop of Rome.
Pope Leo XIV’s official portrait has been released
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Pope Leo has noted how he feels a “serious but passionate responsibility” to serve Romans as he takes on the role of the bishop. The new Pope stood at the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica while quoting St. Augustine. “With you I am Christian, and for you, bishop,” he noted.
“By special title, today I can say that for you and with you I am Roman!” Pope Leo declared right after. The new Pope will assume the responsibility of heading 1.4 billion Catholic churches around the world. He will also be responsible for running the day-to-day governance of the Diocese of Rome.
Pope Leo recently visited there out of four of the most important papal basilicas. This week, he visited the St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major basilica. Leo visited the St. Paul Outside the Walls basilica only last week.
Beauty will save the world ✨
Pope Leo XIV, gathered in prayer before the image of “Salus Populi Romani”
Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Rome
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During his visit to the Saint Mary Major, he urged people to practice their faith in Mary. “This is a wonderful moment to renew our devotion to Mary,” he noted. He went on to add how the image of Salus Populi Romani has accompanied Roman people during their “trials.”
He also prayed to Mary to unite the people “as one family of God.” Before leaving the basilica, the Pope said goodbye to the faithful. Pope Leo thanked them for being there and extended his gratitude “from the bottom of his heart—God bless you!”
Scroll below to see pictures of Pope Leo XIV.
