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

Pope Leo XIV has completed the final ceremonial steps to formalizing his role as the bishop of Rome. The pontiff formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome’s cathedral and the seat of the diocese,

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.