Pope Leo XIV took a key next step in his papal ministry on the 6th Sunday of Easter by taking possession of the papal basilicas, especially his cathedral, St. John Lateran. However, a day prior to this liturgical moment, the Holy Father chose to meet with the Roman Curia, the different offices, or dicasteries that will assist him in governing the Church.
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On Saturday, May 24, nearly 5,000 Vatican employees gathered in the Paul VI Audience Hall for a first meeting with the new Bishop of Rome.
Reflecting on his path from the Peruvian city of Chiclayo to the Roman Curia, Pope Leo spoke candidly:
“I arrived only two years ago, when the beloved Pope Francis appointed me Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. So I left the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, and came to work here. What a change! And now then-what can I say? Only what Simon Peter said to Jesus on Lake Tiberias, “Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you.” Popes pass, the Curia remains.”
In his address, the Pope placed particular emphasis on the central role of the Curia as the guardian of the Church’s historical memory. At a time marked by the transition between pontificates, he recalled that it is through this very structure that the Church’s pastoral work and tradition remain coherent and enduring.
On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance from the window of the Apostolic Palace, the first such moment since Pope Francis’ on February 2, 2025. Pope Leo led the Regina Coeli prayer before thousands in St. Peter’s Square, marking a significant gesture at the start of his pontificate. Later that day, he met with Rome’s mayor, reaffirming his closeness to the city ahead of the Jubilee Year, saying:
“On a special note, today I can say that for you and with you I am Roman!”
Finally, in a moment steeped in Church tradition, Pope Leo entered the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran and celebrated Mass to officially take possession of his cathedra as Bishop of Rome.
“I can assure you that I love you,” the Pope said, “that I only wish to enter into your service and make available to everyone my poor strength, the little that I have and that I am.”
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Adapted by Jacob Stein
Produced by Alexey Gotovskiy; Video Edited by Alessio di Cintio
