In his first public address since being elected Catholic Church leader, Pope Leo XIV delivered a calm and impassioned speech on Thursday evening from the St. Peter’s Basilica balcony.
The new pope thanked the College of Cardinals and Catholic believers across the world for their prayers and trust. Dressed in the white traditional attire, he stood before a packed St. Peter’s Square, waving respectfully and smiling as thousands showed up in person and millions watched on TV and online.
Pope Leo XIV announced that his papacy would be one of healing, unity, and love, within the Church and beyond. He emphasized the necessity of caring for the poor, welcoming strangers, and serving with humility.
“We must care for those who suffer in silence. The hungry, the displaced, the forgotten. They are not statistics — they are our brothers and sisters,” he said.
His announcement came a day after white smoke emanated from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the end of the conclave and the election of a new spiritual leader. Pope Leo XIV, who was once Cardinal Robert Francis, is the first American to hold the role and it marks a historic shift in Vatican leadership.
He acknowledged the challenges facing the Church, like regaining trust, protecting children, and taking sides with the victims of injustice. He urged Catholics to be light in the world, acting kindly by example, not utterance.
Pope Leo XIV did not name countries but mentioned the pain caused by war, inequality, and fragmentation. He exhorted leaders to choose peace over pride and dialogue over violence.
Earlier: His election followed that of Pope Benedict XVII, who resigned due to illness and internal pressure. The quick handover left the Catholic world keeping its breath in suspense until the conclave came up with a decision last week.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his address with a blessing and a call to unity: “Let us walk together — rich and poor, young and old — as one family. Let our faith not divide, but bring us closer.”
His words were met with applause, cheers, and “Viva il Papa!” by the crowds. There were people who waved banners and flags, but others quietly prayed, clearly overcome by the soft tone and simple message of the pope.
In the next few days, Pope Leo XIV will begin exercising his official functions, which range from meeting heads of the world to visiting hospitals and shelters and even preparing to preside at his first Mass as pope, the Vatican reports.
