After the Eucharistic Celebration in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran for the inauguration on the Cathedra of the Bishop of Rome, at 19.00 the Holy Father Leo XIV proceeded to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for the Veneration of the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary Salus Populi Romani.

At the end, after the final blessing, the Pope paused in prayer at the tomb of Pope Francis. Then, before returning to the Vatican, he appeared at the central Loggia of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and addressed the following words of greeting to the faithful gathered on the parvis:

Words of the Holy Father

Brothers and sisters, peace be with you!

Good evening to you all. Thank you for being here! Thank you for being here, in front of this Basilica, this afternoon, this evening, when we celebrate, all together, as members of the diocese of Rome, the presence of its new Bishop. I am very happy to see you all here, and I thank you from my heart.

I thank all of those who work in this Basilica, the two Cardinals who are accompanying me this evening, and the many people who have dedicated themselves to helping us live this, our life of prayer, of devotion, and who above all help us to be closer to the Mother of Jesus, the Mother of God, Mary Most Holy. It is a beautiful opportunity to renew this devotion to Mary, Salus Populi Romani, who many times has accompanied Rome in her needs.

Let us ask God, by the intercession of his Mother, to bless all of you, your families, and your loved ones, and to help us all to walk together in the Church, united as the one family of God.

Let us say together:

[Hail Mary, full of Grace…]

[Blessing]

Good evening to you all, and many thanks!