Papal basilicas have traditionally been associated with a royal patron. King Felipe VI of Spain is the protocanon of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, as were his predecessors. French President Emmanuel Macron is the honorary canon of the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, a role the presidency inherited from the French monarchy.

Siegrist took a short trip last week to Rome to visit the big landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and met Pope Leo after attending mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica.