Pope Leo XIV has declared himself a Roman as he completes the final ceremonial steps cementing his role as the bishop of Rome. Leo formally took possession of the St.

Pope Leo XIV declared himself a Roman, the last step in the process of establishing himself as the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church. He also prayed for Chinese Catholics, emphasising unity with the Holy See.

Pope Leo XIV’s record handling sex abuse cases while he was an Augustinian superior and bishop in Peru has come under renewed scrutiny since his election May 8