The newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, made his first public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, offering blessings and words of peace to a cheering crowd as he officially began his papacy as the 267th pope.
Speaking in Italian, the 69-year-old pontiff greeted the faithful with a message of unity and hope:
“Peace be with all of you.
Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ. I extend this message of peace to your families, to each of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”
Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, emphasizing his desire to continue his legacy of compassion and connection:
Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to reach God and His love. Help us, and help one another, to build bridges.
He went on to thank the College of Cardinals for entrusting him with the leadership of the global Church following a two-day conclave, and offered a heartfelt salute to the Diocese of Rome:
We can all walk together toward the homeland God has prepared for us. A special greeting to the Church of Rome.
Switching to Spanish, Pope Leo XIV then addressed the faithful from his former diocese in Peru:
To the loyal people who shared their faith and gave so much — thank you.