“Peace be with you.”
These were the first words of Pope Leo XIV as he stepped out on the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful of Rome and the world. In his first appearance as Pope, he spoke with warmth, humility, and a clear mission: to bring unity, peace, and the light of Jesus to a world in need.
A Message of Peace and Hope
Pope Leo XIV opened his speech by echoing the words of the risen Christ, who greeted His disciples after the Resurrection with peace.
“Peace be with you,” the Pope repeated with deep emotion. He said this peace was not just for the people in the square but for families, for nations, and for all of humanity.
“This is the peace of the risen Christ,” he said, “a peace that is gentle, humble, and lasting. A peace that comes from God who loves all of us, no matter what.”
The Pope reminded the world that God’s love is without limits. He encouraged people to keep in their hearts the voice of Pope Francis, his predecessor, who had long preached about peace, justice, and care for the poor. Pope Leo XIV promised to carry forward that mission.
Gratitude and Commitment
Pope Leo XIV thanked Pope Francis for his years of leadership. He also expressed his gratitude to the College of Cardinals for choosing him to become the next Bishop of Rome and the Successor of Peter. “Thank you to my cardinal brothers who have chosen me to walk with you as a united Church,” he said.
He pledged to work alongside all members of the Church — men and women, clergy and laypeople — to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ without fear. He spoke of the importance of unity and the need to build bridges instead of walls.
“The world needs light. Humanity needs Jesus as a bridge to reach God’s love,” he said. “Let us build that bridge together — through dialogue, love, and faith.”
A Missionary Church
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the Church must be a missionary Church — one that goes out into the world to serve others, especially the poor and suffering.
He spoke directly to the people of Rome, calling on them to help make the Church more open and welcoming. “We must be a Church that receives everyone with open arms,” he said. “Like this square that welcomes all, we too must be open to those in need of charity, love, and hope.”
The Pope highlighted the importance of being close to those who suffer — people facing war, hunger, poverty, or loneliness. “We must walk with them,” he said. “We must be near them, listen to them, and help them.”
A Personal Note and a Prayer
Pope Leo XIV is originally from Peru, where he served as the bishop of Chiclayo. He gave a warm greeting in Spanish to his former diocese. “A loyal, faithful people,” he said, “who always stood by their bishop.”
Returning to Italian, he spoke of Saint Augustine, calling himself a “son” of the great theologian. He quoted Saint Augustine: “With you, I am a Christian; for you, a bishop.” He said this line would guide his role as Pope.
He ended his address by calling attention to the day of the Supplicatio to Our Lady of Pompei, a special day of prayer. He led the crowd in praying the Hail Mary and asked for the intercession of the Virgin Mary to help him and the Church in their mission.
“Our Blessed Mother wants to be close to us,” he said. “She walks with us, helps us, and loves us. Let us pray for her help, for the Church, and for peace in the world.”
With the crowd joining in prayer, Pope Leo XIV stood before the world with a message that was simple and clear: unity, faith, and peace — for all.
