The first American pope formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, which is Rome’s cathedral and seat of the diocese, with an evening Mass attended by Roman priests and faithful.

Pope Leo XIV appears at the central balcony of the Arch Basilica of St. John Lateran after presiding over a Mass and takes possession of the Roman Cathedra, formalising his role as Bishop of Rome ...

The first American pope formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, which is Rome's cathedral and seat of the diocese, with an evening Mass attended by Roman priests and faithful.

The first American pope formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, which is Rome’s cathedral and seat of the diocese, with an evening Mass attended by Roman priests and faithful.

Pope Leo XIV sits on the cathedral chair in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome during his official installation Mass as Bishop of Rome May 25, 2025. (Credit: Vatican Media.) Listen ROME ...

Pope Leo XIV has declared himself a Roman as he completes the final ceremonial steps cementing his role as the bishop of Rome. Leo formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, which ...