The new pontiff, a moderate leader from the Americas, foreshadows a mission of justice and community for the global Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV Shares First Blessing and Vision for Unity After Historic Election
Pope Leo XIV Shares First Blessing and Vision for Unity After Historic Election
On the eve of his historic inauguration, Pope Leo XIV addresses the faithful in St Peter's Square, emphasizing a commitment to the Church's social teachings.
In a significant moment for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Sunday blessing to a gathering in St Peter's Square today. This marks his inaugural public address following his election, which was signaled by the iconic white smoke on Thursday. Accompanied by the faithful, he recited the Regina Caeli prayer, honoring the Virgin Mary.
The past few days have been eventful for Pope Leo, who visited the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on Saturday to pray before the tomb of his late predecessor, Pope Francis. It was a poignant moment for the new leader, as he prepares for a formal inauguration next week on May 18.
Elected during a swift two-day conclave, Pope Leo expressed humility in his first Mass held in the Sistine Chapel on Friday and provided insights during a meeting with cardinals on Saturday. He described himself as an "unworthy choice" and expressed his intention to honor the "precious legacy" left by Pope Francis. His remarks highlighted a commitment to social justice, including a firm stance on missionary work and compassion for the marginalized.
The newly elected pontiff chose the name Leo to honor a 19th-century pope known for his just teachings and articulated the need for the Church to navigate contemporary challenges, including the implications of artificial intelligence. Ahead of a media audience scheduled for Monday, he is set to deliver a homily at his upcoming inauguration, which will be attended by various heads of state and dignitaries.
At 69, Pope Leo XIV is the 267th pope and the first American to ascend to this role, representing a broad community of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Originally from Chicago and named Robert Francis Prevost, he lived as a missionary in Peru before being appointed as an archbishop there. The Vatican also notes that although he was born in the U.S., he is the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis from Argentina.
Widely regarded as a moderate who seeks to provide continuity within the Church, Pope Leo has indicated alignment with his predecessor's views on issues related to migrants, poverty, and environmental stewardship. In his first address, the pontiff emphasized a desire to “walk together” with the congregation, fostering a sense of unity in the pursuit of peace and justice.
The past few days have been eventful for Pope Leo, who visited the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on Saturday to pray before the tomb of his late predecessor, Pope Francis. It was a poignant moment for the new leader, as he prepares for a formal inauguration next week on May 18.
Elected during a swift two-day conclave, Pope Leo expressed humility in his first Mass held in the Sistine Chapel on Friday and provided insights during a meeting with cardinals on Saturday. He described himself as an "unworthy choice" and expressed his intention to honor the "precious legacy" left by Pope Francis. His remarks highlighted a commitment to social justice, including a firm stance on missionary work and compassion for the marginalized.
The newly elected pontiff chose the name Leo to honor a 19th-century pope known for his just teachings and articulated the need for the Church to navigate contemporary challenges, including the implications of artificial intelligence. Ahead of a media audience scheduled for Monday, he is set to deliver a homily at his upcoming inauguration, which will be attended by various heads of state and dignitaries.
At 69, Pope Leo XIV is the 267th pope and the first American to ascend to this role, representing a broad community of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Originally from Chicago and named Robert Francis Prevost, he lived as a missionary in Peru before being appointed as an archbishop there. The Vatican also notes that although he was born in the U.S., he is the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis from Argentina.
Widely regarded as a moderate who seeks to provide continuity within the Church, Pope Leo has indicated alignment with his predecessor's views on issues related to migrants, poverty, and environmental stewardship. In his first address, the pontiff emphasized a desire to “walk together” with the congregation, fostering a sense of unity in the pursuit of peace and justice.
