Pope Leo completes formalities to become bishop of Rome

Pope Leo XIV declared himself a Roman on Sunday as he completed the final ceremonial steps cementing his role as the bishop of Rome.

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

He then took the popemobile for a visit to Saint Mary Major, where he prayed before Pope Francis' tomb and an icon of the Virgin Mary beloved to many Roman faithful.

In his homily, Leo said he wanted to listen to them “in order to learn, understand, and decide things together.”