Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, is set to conduct his first press audience following his election, shedding light on his vision for the Church.
Pope Leo XIV to Meet Press for First Time During Papacy
Pope Leo XIV to Meet Press for First Time During Papacy
Pope Leo XIV's inaugural press audience signals a new chapter for the Roman Catholic Church.
May 12, 2025, 4:46 a.m. ET | Elisabetta Povoledo, Reporting from Vatican City
Pope Leo XIV is preparing to engage with international journalists for the first time on Monday, marking a notable tradition following the election of a new pontiff. The 11 a.m. local time audience is expected to provide insights into his leadership style and priorities, much like past pontiffs before him. Following the recent death of Pope Francis, many present have reported extensively on the transition in leadership over the past week.
While his introductory remarks to the press are awaited, Leo XIV is already making headlines with his strong anti-war stance expressed during his Sunday address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Urging for peace in Ukraine and an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, he rallied thousands of attendees with the powerful declaration of “Never again war.”
In his initial days as pope, Leo celebrated Mass with the cardinals who elected him and reiterated his commitment to championing ordinary people while continuing the mission established by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Reporters began gathering early in the Vatican, many eager to reconnect with colleagues and engage in discussions as they prepare for the 90-minute audience with the new pope. Past pontiffs have often used similar encounters to express gratitude toward the media and discuss the Church's message with a broader audience—highlighting their intentions for transparency and connection with the faithful.
Notably, the tradition of papal media audiences has been consistent since Pope Paul VI in the 1960s. Previous pontiffs have expressed appreciation for journalists and the essential role they play in communicating the Church's message, fostering a dialogue that bridges faith and public discourse.
As excitement builds, the atmosphere at the Vatican is dynamic, with international media ready to capture the first words of Leo XIV as he steps into this pivotal role in the Catholic Church's history.
Surrounding celebrations for the new pope are already taking place in his former home city of Chiclayo, Peru, where a joyous gathering honored his contributions as bishop. Festivities included traditional performances, joyous rallies, and communal Masses—signifying the deep connection and pride his community feels now that he has ascended to the papacy.
As the world awaits Leo XIV’s message to the news media, many Catholics, particularly in the United States, reflect on their hopes for the new pontiff’s impact, seeing in him a potential unifier and inspirer for the next generation of believers. With a focus on social justice and inclusivity, there remains a collective optimism for a revitalized future within the Church under his leadership.
Pope Leo XIV is preparing to engage with international journalists for the first time on Monday, marking a notable tradition following the election of a new pontiff. The 11 a.m. local time audience is expected to provide insights into his leadership style and priorities, much like past pontiffs before him. Following the recent death of Pope Francis, many present have reported extensively on the transition in leadership over the past week.
While his introductory remarks to the press are awaited, Leo XIV is already making headlines with his strong anti-war stance expressed during his Sunday address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Urging for peace in Ukraine and an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, he rallied thousands of attendees with the powerful declaration of “Never again war.”
In his initial days as pope, Leo celebrated Mass with the cardinals who elected him and reiterated his commitment to championing ordinary people while continuing the mission established by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Reporters began gathering early in the Vatican, many eager to reconnect with colleagues and engage in discussions as they prepare for the 90-minute audience with the new pope. Past pontiffs have often used similar encounters to express gratitude toward the media and discuss the Church's message with a broader audience—highlighting their intentions for transparency and connection with the faithful.
Notably, the tradition of papal media audiences has been consistent since Pope Paul VI in the 1960s. Previous pontiffs have expressed appreciation for journalists and the essential role they play in communicating the Church's message, fostering a dialogue that bridges faith and public discourse.
As excitement builds, the atmosphere at the Vatican is dynamic, with international media ready to capture the first words of Leo XIV as he steps into this pivotal role in the Catholic Church's history.
Surrounding celebrations for the new pope are already taking place in his former home city of Chiclayo, Peru, where a joyous gathering honored his contributions as bishop. Festivities included traditional performances, joyous rallies, and communal Masses—signifying the deep connection and pride his community feels now that he has ascended to the papacy.
As the world awaits Leo XIV’s message to the news media, many Catholics, particularly in the United States, reflect on their hopes for the new pontiff’s impact, seeing in him a potential unifier and inspirer for the next generation of believers. With a focus on social justice and inclusivity, there remains a collective optimism for a revitalized future within the Church under his leadership.
