Pope Leo XIV Takes Possession of Roman Cathedra

The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s words from the central Loggia of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, at the end of the Eucharistic Celebration on Sunday, 25 May.

Peace be with you!

Dear brothers and sisters, community of Rome, it gives me great pleasure to be here with you this evening, in this liturgical act in which we have celebrated my inauguration as your new Bishop of Rome. Thank you all!

Living our faith, especially during this Jubilee Year, in search of hope; but seeking to be ourselves the witness that offers hope to the world. A world that suffers so much due to wars, violence and poverty! But the Lord asks us Christians to always be this living witness. To live our faith, feeling in our heart that Jesus Christ is present and knowing that he always accompanies us on our journey.

Thank you for walking together! Let us all walk together! Always count on me, as a Christian with you and Bishop for you. Thank you all!

[Blessing]

Good evening to you all! Let us live with this joy, always. Thank you.