Pope John XXIII In Ceremonial Splendor Pope John XXIII in ceremonial splendor is acclaimed by 160,000 Romans as he journeys across the city to take possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in his capacity as Bishop of Rome. Pope on balcony with fancy trappings around him. Elderly woman in crowd with hands folded; she looks earnestly pious. Pope is carried outside on throne. People in crowd wave happily.