Pope Leo XIV officially Bishop of Rome: start celebrations!

Pope Leo XIV officially Bishop of Rome: start celebrations!

Rom, Italien - on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Pope Leo XIV officially takes over his office as Bishop of Rome. He will take a seat at 5:00 p.m. in a solemn service in the Lateran Basilica on the הר Ömisches Bischofsitz. This significant event marks the beginning of his term as the first American at the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Leo XIV was elected on May 8, after the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died in the Vatican on April 21st

The Lateran Basilica, the place of service, was the headquarters of the Popes in Rome until the 14th century and bears a significant historical burden. Before the service, Pope Leo XIV will meet the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, on the Capitol hill to discuss municipal concerns and the role of the church in civil society.

religious celebrations

The afternoon services will complete the religious celebrations to take office. At 7:00 p.m. Leo XIV is planning a visit to the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, where he will pray at the grave of his predecessor. This ritual underlines the tradition and continuum of the popes and its obligation to continue the continuity of the church teachings.

The change of the papacy

In view of the high expectations that are placed on today's popes, Pope Leo XIV proves to be part of a new era. Church historian Jörg Ernesti emphasizes that the role of the Pope has changed significantly in international politics since 1800. Pope have increasingly positioned themselves as neutral actors, which is also reflected in the media charisma of the papacy. Today a Pope with charisma and political weight is expected because the expectations of them are increasing.

Ernesti describes the teaching of the Popes as "halved modernity", with aspects of progress and step backwards. In the past, the papal encyclical experienced a heyday, which led to a stronger international perception of the papacy. Nevertheless, he expresses concerns that the increasing demands on future popes could be overwhelming. This could also make ecumenical conversations more difficult, which have gained importance in recent years.

with the handover of his office, Pope Leo XIV will not only have to face the challenges of the present, but also the heir and the traditions of his predecessors, while he also keeps an eye on the historical developments of the papacy.