Pope Leo XIV: Bishop of Rome
Pope installed at St John Lateran.
ROME—“Gloria, in excelsis Deo!”
Pope Leo XIV intones, after taking his place as Bishop of Rome at St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome’s cathedral and seat of the diocese.
Just above and in front him, the baldacchino dates from 1369 and holds relics of Sts Peter and Paul.
Prior to the installation, the Pope addressed the Mayor and the people of Rome, assembled at the Lateran for this special occasion.
(My translation):
“Mr. Mayor,
I am very grateful for your welcome and words of greeting to me. I thank you, together with the civic administration, as well as the civil and military authorities, on the day of my installation as Bishop of Rome.
As I officially begin my ministry as Pastor of this Diocese, I feel the grave but exciting responsibility to serve all its members, having at heart first of all the faith of God's people, and then the common good of society. For this latter purpose we are collaborators, each in our own institutional sphere. Just after my election, I reminded the brothers and sisters gathered in St. Peter's Square that I am with them a Christian and for them a bishop: by a special title, today I can say that for you and with you I am a Roman!
For two millennia the Church has been living its apostolate in Rome, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and lavishing itself in charity. The education of the young and the assistance towards those who suffer, the dedication to the least and the cultivation of the arts are expressions of that care for human dignity which in every age we must uphold, especially towards the small, the weak and the poor. In the holy year of the Jubilee, this solicitude is extended to pilgrims from all parts of the world, and it also makes use of the efforts made by the Capitoline Administration, for which I express heartfelt gratitude.
Mr. Mayor, I hope that Rome, incomparable for the richness of its historical and artistic heritage, will always distinguish itself also for those values of humanity and civilization that draw their lifeblood from the Gospel. With these sentiments, I impart the Apostolic Blessing on this City and all its inhabitants.“
Located to the left of the Papal Altar is another very ancient table. Above the tabernacle, placed directly behind a bronze relief of the Last Supper, is the actual table that Jesus and the apostles celebrated the Last Supper.
Interested in seeing Rome with me? Now you can!
Save the dates!
Christmastide and the Close of the Jubilee Year:
Dec 26-Jan 3
Details to come, in partnership with Select International—https://selectinternationaltours.com/