Pope Leo XIV says "I reminded the brothers and sisters gathered in St. Peter's Square that I am with them a Christian and for them a bishop..." FULL TEXT
The North American Pontiff, a missionary in Peru, with French, Spanish and Italian family roots, today also ideally takes on a new 'identity', that of a citizen of Rome, the diocese of which he officially begins his ministry as bishop and pastor today with his installation in the Basilica of St. John Lateran. The ceremony in Piazza dell'Ara Coeli takes place, in fact, shortly before the celebration for the taking possession of the Lateran Basilica. Arriving by car, the Pope, wearing a mozzetta and stole, walks to the plexiglass lectern positioned on a red carpet with the coat of arms of Rome Capital. At his side is the substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra.In the Piazza dell'Ara Coeli, at the foot of the Campidoglio steps, the ceremony with the mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, who reaffirmed the city's commitment to the Jubilee and today's challenges. The Pope's appeal: "May Rome always stand out also for those values of humanity and civilization that draw their lifeblood from the Gospel" (Vatican News IT)
GREETING OF THE HOLY FATHER LEO XIV
GREETING OF THE HOLY FATHER LEO XIV
TO THE MAYOR OF ROME
Piazza dell'Ara Coeli (at the foot of the Campidoglio steps)
Sunday, May 25, 2025
_________________________________________________
Mr. Mayor,
I am very grateful for your welcome and the words of greeting you have addressed to me. I thank, together with you, the civic administration, as well as the civil and military authorities, on the day of my installation as Bishop of Rome.
In officially beginning my ministry as Pastor of this Diocese, I feel the grave but passionate responsibility to serve all its members, having at heart first of all the faith of the people of God, and therefore the common good of society. For this last purpose we are collaborators, each in our own institutional sphere. Immediately after the election, I reminded the brothers and sisters gathered in St. Peter's Square that I am with them a Christian and for them a bishop: in a special capacity, today I can say that for you and with you I am Roman!
For two millennia the Church has lived its apostolate in Rome by announcing the Gospel of Christ and devoting itself to charity. The education of young people and assistance to those who suffer, dedication to the least and the cultivation of the arts are expressions of that care for human dignity that we must support at all times, especially towards the little ones, the weak and the poor. In the Holy Year of the Jubilee, this concern extends to pilgrims from every part of the world, and also benefits from the commitment made by the Capitoline Administration, for which I express my deep gratitude.
Mr. Mayor, I hope that Rome, unparalleled for the richness of its historical and artistic heritage, will always stand out also for those values of humanity and civilization that draw their lifeblood from the Gospel. With these sentiments, I impart the Apostolic Blessing upon this City and upon all its inhabitants. (Vatican.va)
Piazza dell'Ara Coeli (at the foot of the Campidoglio steps)
Sunday, May 25, 2025
_________________________________________________
Mr. Mayor,
I am very grateful for your welcome and the words of greeting you have addressed to me. I thank, together with you, the civic administration, as well as the civil and military authorities, on the day of my installation as Bishop of Rome.
In officially beginning my ministry as Pastor of this Diocese, I feel the grave but passionate responsibility to serve all its members, having at heart first of all the faith of the people of God, and therefore the common good of society. For this last purpose we are collaborators, each in our own institutional sphere. Immediately after the election, I reminded the brothers and sisters gathered in St. Peter's Square that I am with them a Christian and for them a bishop: in a special capacity, today I can say that for you and with you I am Roman!
For two millennia the Church has lived its apostolate in Rome by announcing the Gospel of Christ and devoting itself to charity. The education of young people and assistance to those who suffer, dedication to the least and the cultivation of the arts are expressions of that care for human dignity that we must support at all times, especially towards the little ones, the weak and the poor. In the Holy Year of the Jubilee, this concern extends to pilgrims from every part of the world, and also benefits from the commitment made by the Capitoline Administration, for which I express my deep gratitude.
Mr. Mayor, I hope that Rome, unparalleled for the richness of its historical and artistic heritage, will always stand out also for those values of humanity and civilization that draw their lifeblood from the Gospel. With these sentiments, I impart the Apostolic Blessing upon this City and upon all its inhabitants. (Vatican.va)
Comments