Vatican prepares for installation of Benedict XVI as Bishop of Rome

Vatican City, May 2, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Following a whirlwind of activity over the past month, the Holy See is now preparing for the installation of Pope Benedict XVI as Bishop of Rome on Saturday, May 7.

The Vatican announced that the recently elected Holy Father would preside at a Eucharistic celebration at St. John Lateran Basilica as he takes possession of the Chair of the Bishop of Rome. Throughout history, whoever is Pope is the Bishop of the Diocese of Rome and takes St. John Lateran as his Cathedral.

The announcement came from Archbishop Piero Marini, Master of the Liturgical Ceremonies of the Supreme Pontiff.

Rome’s ecclesial community will be present at the Mass on Saturday to welcome its new bishop, Benedict XVI, to the basilica, which is known as the "Mother and Head of all Churches."

Cardinals who are present in Rome, members of the Diocesan Episcopal Council, the canons of the Lateran Basilica and the Council of Pastor Prefects will concelebrate Mass with the Holy Father.

Following the installation ceremony, the Pope will go to the basilica of St. Mary Major to venerate the "Salus Populi Romani" icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary.