Vatican City, 3rd May 2005 (CNA)
- 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.
