Standing before a sea of thousands in St. Peter’s Square, Robert Prevost, the newly elected pope and first-ever American pontiff, delivered a message of peace and unity as he took the name Pope Leo XIV.
“May peace be with all of you,” the 69-year-old Chicago-born pope said, drawing a wave of applause and cheers from the crowd gathered beneath the Vatican balcony.
In his first public address following a two-day conclave, Pope Leo XIV thanked the cardinals who elected him and extended a heartfelt greeting to the Church of Rome. “We can all walk together toward that homeland God has prepared for us,” he said, pausing briefly as the crowd erupted in support.
Switching to Spanish, the former bishop of Chiclayo offered gratitude to his former diocese in Peru, calling its people “loyal” and “faith-filled.” His words were met with even more applause.
The new pope paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, pledging to continue his spirit of humility and compassion. “Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love,” Pope Leo said. “Help us, and help each other, build bridges.”
He closed his remarks by returning to the theme of peace: “Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”