Standing for the first time as the newly elected Successor of Peter, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message of peace and unity to Rome and the world, invoking the spirit of the Risen Christ and pledging to build a Church faithful to Jesus and the Gospel.
Appearing from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the traditional blessing: “Peace be with you,” echoing the words of Christ after His resurrection. “This was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God,” the Pope said, his voice resonating across St. Peter’s Square.
"I would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, and all people, wherever they are," he continued. “This is the peace of the Risen Christ—a disarming, humble, and enduring peace. It comes from God, who loves us all without limits or conditions.”
Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, referring to him as “the Pope who blessed Rome and the world on the morning of Easter,” and vowed to carry forward the same blessing and mission. “God loves us. Evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God,” he declared, urging the faithful to walk forward united, without fear.
He emphasized the need for the Church to be a bridge-builder, calling for dialogue, openness, and encounter to create a “people always in peace.” Reflecting his spiritual roots as an Augustinian, he quoted St. Augustine: “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop,” reinforcing his desire to lead through humility and solidarity.
Pope Leo XIV thanked the College of Cardinals for entrusting him with the papacy and extended a special greeting to the Church of Rome, encouraging it to become a missionary Church, “always open to receiving with open arms… like this square, open to all.”
As the world listens to his first words, the message from Pope Leo XIV is clear: his papacy will be grounded in peace, unity, missionary outreach, and unwavering faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.