May 25, 2025, was engraved as a date of profound significance in the calendar of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. In a single day, the Holy Father witnessed a sequence of events that cemented his bond with the faith and the Roman metropolis: he received a warm tribute from the city, assumed his episcopal chair in the imposing Basilica of St. John Lateran, and made a moving pilgrimage of prayer to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. These events are not only of great liturgical significance, but also reinforce the Pope’s personal and pastoral connection with the citizens of Rome and the vast ecclesial tradition.

A Highly Symbolic Citizen Tribute: “For You and with You, I am Roman”

The day began with a moving tribute by the city of Rome to Pope Leo XIV, a gesture that evoked ancient rites and underscored the capital’s welcome to its new Bishop. At the foot of the monumental steps of the Campidoglio, in the historic Piazza del Ara Caeli, the Pontiff was received by the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri. This encounter was not merely ceremonial; in a speech charged with emotion, Leo XIV spoke words that resonated deeply in the hearts of those present: “For you and with you, I am Roman.” This declaration is not only an expression of closeness, but also a reaffirmation of his commitment to the city and its inhabitants, a symbiosis that is hoped will strengthen under his leadership.

The tribute also served as a platform to highlight the crucial collaboration between the Church and civil authorities. With the imminent celebration of the Jubilee, a holy year that will attract millions of pilgrims to Rome, an explicit call was made to strengthen the spirit of solidarity and care for the most vulnerable. The Pope emphasized the need to reach out to the homeless, the disadvantaged, and the marginalized, stressing that faith is manifested in service and active charity toward those in need. The atmosphere at the Campidoglio was one of joy and hope, with the Romans expressing their affection and expectations for their new Bishop.

The Solemn Inauguration at St. John Lateran: A Commitment to Pastoral Service

After the moving tribute, Pope Leo XIV headed to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, a place of immense historical and spiritual significance, venerated as the “Mother and Head of all Churches” and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. It was here that the solemn Eucharistic celebration of his installation as Bishop of Rome took place. This rite, rooted in centuries of tradition, symbolizes the official beginning of his pastoral ministry in the Eternal City, marking a new chapter for the local and universal Church.

During his inspiring homily, the Holy Father delved into the essence of his service. Reviving the famous motto of St. Augustine, Pope Leo XIV affirmed that he is “a Christian with you and a bishop for you.” This duality, in which he presents himself first as one of the faithful and then as their pastor, highlights his humility and focus on accompaniment. He emphasized that true ecclesial communion is built “on knees,” that is, through a life of constant prayer and an unwavering commitment to personal and communal conversion. He offered the faithful “all the little that he has and that he is,” a manifestation of his total dedication to the service of the People of God, promising guidance based on the Gospel and pastoral closeness.

A Devout Visit and Prayer at St. Mary Major: Entrusting the Ministry to the Mother of God

Pope Leo XIV’s intense day culminated with a moving visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s principal Marian shrines and the last of the four papal basilicas to be visited on his inauguration itinerary. In this sacred place, the Pontiff paused in deep prayer before the venerated icon of the Salus Populi Romani (Health of the Roman People), an image of the Virgin Mary that has been an object of devotion for centuries and considered the protector of the city and its inhabitants.

After the solemn singing of the Magnificat, Pope Leo XIV addressed a moving prayer to the Virgin Mary, explicitly entrusting her with the beginning of his ministry and asking for her blessings for the entire Church and the world. A moment of particular intensity and recollection was his silent visit to the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis. There, in a gesture of filial devotion and continuity, he laid a bouquet of flowers, paying homage to the legacy of the Pontiff Emeritus. Finally, from the loggia of the Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd of faithful gathered, extending an invitation to “walk together as one family of God.” This call to synodality and unity resonates as a central theme of his pontificate, seeking to strengthen faith and hope in the pilgrimage of Christian life.

Taken together, this memorable day not only formalizes the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s responsibilities as Successor of Peter and Bishop of Rome, but also charts the course of a pontificate that is seen as centered on prayer, building communion, and tireless service, always with an eye toward accompanying and caring for the flock entrusted to him.