Pope declares ‘I am Roman’ as he completes formalities to become bishop of Rome

Pope Leo waves upon his arrival at the Arch Basilica of St John Lateran where he will preside over a Mass (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Pope Leo declared himself a Roman as he completed the final ceremonial steps cementing his role as the bishop of Rome.

The first American pope formally took possession of the St John Lateran Basilica, which is Rome’s cathedral and seat of the diocese, with an evening Mass attended by Roman priests and faithful on Sunday.