Pope Leo XIV officially took on the role as the new Pope after his grand declaration at St. Peter’s Basilica. The final ceremonial steps of the process were seen through which means the American Pope is now the Bishop of Rome.

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first homily as Bishop of Rome at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, where he took possession of his cathedra (throne) on Sunday.

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.