Pope Leo XIV declared himself a Roman on Sunday as he completed the final ceremonial steps cementing his role as the bishop of Rome.The first American pope formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica,

Pope Leo XIV prayed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major following the Mass where he took possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran as bishop of Rome.

Tens of thousands came to St. Peter’s Square to mark the official start of the pontificate of the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Vice President JD Vance was among the dignitaries who attended.