‘I am Roman,’ Pope Leo says, as he becomes the bishop of Rome

Pope Leo XIV declared himself a Roman on Sunday, in a ceremonial step to formalizing his role as bishop of Rome.

The bishop of Rome is one of many titles held by the pope.

On his way to the St. John Lateran Basilica for the final steps to take on the role of bishop of Rome, the pope stopped at Piazza Venezia in the center of Rome to meet with the mayor of the city, Roberto Gualtieri.

Speaking before a crowd, Gualtieri said the city of Rome is ready to accompany the pontiff “to affirm the paradigm of a new politics,” and ended his speech by welcoming him: “We are happy that Rome is now your city,” as translated by Vatican News.

The first pope from the United States responded to Gualtieri’s remarks, affirming his commitment as bishop of Rome. The pope said: “Today I can say in a special way that I am a Roman, with and for you,” as the Vatican news service translated.

Margaret Susan Thompson, a professor of history at Syracuse University whose research focuses on religion and politics, said Leo will not be “particularly involved in the day-to-day governing or administrative responsibility” as bishop of Rome. Those duties are usually delegated to an auxiliary or assistant bishop, known as a vicar, she said.

Pope Leo XIV waves upon his arrival at the St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome on Sunday.
Pope Leo XIV waves upon his arrival at the St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome on Sunday. (Andrew Medichini | AP)

Regarding his statement declaring himself a Roman, Thompson said it was mostly “a symbolic gesture” rather than “a statement repudiating his United States or Peruvian citizenship.”

The pope was born in Chicago and spent two decades in Peru, where he gained citizenship.

The statement speaks to his “particular sense of pastoral responsibility to the people of Rome,” Thompson told NPR.

Although the current pope is the first from the United States, the last three popes before him were not Italian either, noted Thompson. “It’s not a governing statement. It’s an important symbolic statement and pastoral statement.”

 

In Trump country, a Democrat critiques Trump — and talks of succeeding him

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear about his cross-party appeal in a state that has always overwhelmingly voted for Trump.

Research, curriculum and grading: new data sheds light on how professors are using AI

It's not just students, more professors are using AI in the classroom. But they say more guidance is needed on how to use the technology.

From Madagascar to Morocco: Gen Z protests shake Africa

Gen Z-led protests in two diverse African countries highlight frustration over years of poor governance. Fueled by social media, these youth movements are demanding accountability.

Volunteering at ‘Maine Needs’ brings connection to community

Lee Cooper finds purpose and a sense of community in his volunteer job at Maine Needs, a group that provides clothing for people in need.

Furloughs, closures and mass firings threats: What’s next in the shutdown fight

On the first day of the government shutdown, Republicans and Democrats traded blame while a small bipartisan group of senators began to negotiate.

How rising costs are changing the way Americans travel

Rising costs are causing a lot of Americans to think twice before booking a trip. And many who do travel are scaling back their ambitions and staying closer to home.

More Front Page Coverage