Before celebrating his installation mass at teh Basilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV was honored by the city of Rome and its mayor, Roberto Gualtieri. The tribute underscored the enduring bond between the papacy and the eternal City, particularly as rome prepares to welcome millions of pilgrims during the upcoming Jubilee year.

A Symbolic Gesture at the Foot of the Capitol

The ceremony took place at the Place de l’Aria Coeli, at the base of the staircase leading to the Capitoline Hill. This location holds ancient significance, representing the heart of Rome’s civic administration. Mayor Gualtieri presented Pope Leo XIV with a tricolor sash, a symbol of the city’s authority and its respect for the pontiff.

The brief stop at the foot of the “City Civic and Democratic Administration House” is an ancient tradition, symbolizing the close relationship between the Church and the city of Rome.

mayor Gualtieri’s Address: Affection and Gratitude

In his introductory speech, Mayor Gualtieri emphasized the deep connection between the Pope and Rome, stating it confirms the affection that the sovereign pontiff has for the eternal city. He further added,this affection is of which we are deeply grateful and which we return with all the generosity of which – you have seen this these days – our city is capable.

Pope Leo XIV’s Response: Collaboration and Service

Pope leo XIV, in his address to the mayor, highlighted the collaborative nature of their roles. We are collaborators,each in its institutional sphere, he stated. He also reflected on the Church’s historical role in Rome, noting that for the past two millennia, The church saw its apostolate in Rome, announcing the Gospel of Christ and by providing charity.

Looking Ahead to the Jubilee Year

Both Mayor Gualtieri and pope Leo XIV expressed optimism about future cooperation, particularly with the upcoming Jubilee year drawing millions of pilgrims to Rome. The mayor emphasized that We have a lot of missions to carry out together, expressing his joy that Rome is now the city of the new pope.

Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the weight of his responsibilities, feeling the serious but fascinating responsibility of serving all its members, first having the faith of the people of God, then the common good of society.

Commitment to Rome’s Future

Mayor Gualtieri also mentioned the Jubilee event dedicated to young people, scheduled from July 28 to August 3, anticipating its positive impact on the city.He reaffirmed the city’s commitment to completing the many material and intangible projects that have been launched, to make Rome a fairer city, more durable and more inclusive, with a focus on being attentive to the last, the most fragile.

Gualtieri stressed that This city is ready to accompany it, to contribute to the assertion of the paradigm of a new policy, new relations between peoples and states, of an improved social model.