Fr. Longenecker isn't Roman or even Italian.
The only reason why English speakers use the term "Roman" as in "Roman Catholic Church" is an historical accident.
In Poland, Mexico, France, Brazil, Germany, Cameroon, the Philippines, etc. the Church is known only as "The Catholic Church" - they don't describe it as "Roman."
The Vatican does not describe the church as Roman. The official name of the Church is the Catholic Church. Always has been. Rome only signifies where the Vatican is located.