In his first remarks to the world’s 1.4-billion Catholics, Pope Leo XIV has pledged to work toward a united church that seeks peace and charity, while paying tribute to the late Pope Francis.
The new pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected on Thursday as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church.
He made the remarks from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in front of an estimated crowd of over 50,000 onlookers.
“We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love,” he said.
“To all you brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, we want to be a synodal church, walking and always
seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.”
The new Pope, who looked visibly emotional as he waved to the huge crowd in St Peter’s Square, said his greetings to his flock was one of peace.
“Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God,” he remarked.
“I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you. This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace. It comes from God. God who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions.”
He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025.
“Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome – the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter,” the pope said.
“Allow me to continue that same blessing. God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and [encounters] so we can all be one people always in peace. Thank you Pope Francis!”
At his first mass as Pope on Friday morning, Leo XIV, acknowledged to the Cardinals who voted for him the tremendous responsibility he was given as head of the Catholic Church.
“You have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission, and I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a church, as a community, as friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the Gospel,” he said.