After blessing the faithful, he entered the chapel that houses the Marian icon, traditionally attributed to St. Luke, and, kneeling, prayed for a few minutes before placing a bouquet of flowers at the feet of the Blessed Mother’s image.

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Following the Mass where he took possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV proceeded to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where the Virgin Mary is venerated under the title Salus Populi Romani (“Health of the Roman People”).

The Holy Father arrived at the basilica shortly after 7 p.m. Upon entering, he blessed the faithful gathered inside with a brief sprinkling of holy water.

He then entered the chapel that houses the Marian icon, traditionally attributed to St. Luke, and, kneeling, prayed for a few minutes before placing a bouquet of flowers at the feet of the Blessed Mother’s image.

After the singing of the Magnificat — the Gospel canticle spoken by the Virgin Mary after the announcement of the archangel Gabriel — Pope Leo XIV offered a prayer to the Mother of God, recalling that she is “all pure, all venerable, the finest offering humanity can present to God.”

“You guide the Church’s boat to a harbor of peace, steering away from dangers and overcoming storms,” he prayed, asking St. Mary to watch over “this city, comfort those who come to it without shelter or protection, and extend your care over the whole world.”

“Source of joy for all, make me worthy of rejoicing with you,” he added.

Afterward, he visited the tomb of Pope Francis and paused there to pray.

From the basilica’s balcony, the Pope thanked the faithful gathered outside: “Thank you for being here; thank you for standing in front of this basilica this evening, as we celebrate, united as members of the Diocese of Rome, the presence of its new bishop.”

“I’m very happy to meet you here, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

This, he noted, “is a beautiful opportunity to renew our devotion to Mary, Salus Populi Romani, who has accompanied the people of Rome so many times in their need.”

He continued: “Let us ask God through the intercession of his Mother to bless all of you, your families, your loved ones, and to help us all walk together in the Church.”

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This article was originally published on National Catholic Register.