In his first public appearance as Pope, Leo XIV delivers a heartfelt address to the faithful, marking the beginning of his papacy amidst a significant transition for the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV Begins New Era with First Sunday Blessing and Address
Pope Leo XIV Begins New Era with First Sunday Blessing and Address
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV honors his predecessor and emphasizes unity, justice, and care for the marginalized.
In an emotionally charged event, Pope Leo XIV addressed congregants for the first time today in St. Peter's Square, where he offered his inaugural Sunday blessing. Leo recited the Regina Caeli prayer, a tribute to the Virgin Mary, just days after being elected as Pope amid a swirl of anticipation and excitement.
Prior to his address, the pontiff prayed at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, demonstrating his respect and intention to carry on Francis’ legacy. With an inauguration mass scheduled for May 18, Leo XIV is already taking active steps to connect with the Catholic community.
Elected after a two-day conclave, Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, emphasizes a mission of compassion and continuity. In his first homily in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, he characterized himself as an "unworthy choice," echoing his commitment to the Church's core values, including social justice, missionary work, and support for marginalized communities.
In his address today, he reinforced the recent discussions around the societal implications of artificial intelligence and technological advancements, asserting the relevance of the Church in championing human dignity and justice in modern times. Leo XIV, aged 69, is the first American Pope and the 267th occupant of the papal throne, aiming to unite a diverse global community of 1.4 billion faithful.
Expressing his desire for inclusivity, he urged the Church to walk together toward a shared pursuit of peace and justice. Cardinal Leo’s appointment is viewed as a movement towards unity and continuity, building upon Francis' teachings on migration, social concern, and environmental stewardship.
As anticipation builds for his inaugural mass next week, all eyes will be on the new Pope as he navigates the challenges facing the modern Church.
