Newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening, just hours after being named the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis.
Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the new pontiff was chosen following the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the conclusion of the papal conclave and the beginning of a new era for the Church’s 1.4 billion faithful.
In a heartfelt address delivered primarily in Italian, with a closing segment in Spanish, Pope Leo XIV shared a message centered on peace, unity, and spiritual renewal. He invoked the spirit of the risen Christ, paid homage to Pope Francis, and called on the global Catholic community to walk together in faith, foster dialogue, and remain committed to love and charity.
“God loves us all, unconditionally… Evil will not prevail,” he declared, drawing cheers from the gathered faithful. He concluded with a prayer to the Virgin Mary, asking for grace and guidance as he begins his papal mission.