Vatican City – May 8, 2025 — In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been elected as the new Pope, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. The 69-year-old Chicago native has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.
Addressing thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public remarks from the central balcony of the Apostolic Palace. Speaking in Italian, he greeted the crowd with a message of unity and peace.
“Peace be with all of you,” he began. “Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”
Continuing his message, the new Pope affirmed God’s love for all people. “God loves us all, unconditionally,” he declared, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Pope Leo XIV also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, expressing a desire to carry forward the legacy of compassion and connection. “Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges,” he said.
He offered thanks to the College of Cardinals for entrusting him with the papacy following a two-day conclave, pausing as the crowd erupted in applause.
“We can all walk together towards that homeland God has prepared for us,” he said, adding a special greeting to the Diocese of Rome.
Switching briefly to Spanish, the Pope thanked the people of Peru, where he previously served as a bishop. “To my beloved former diocese in Peru, where a loyal people has shared its faith and has given a lot — thank you.”
Returning to Italian, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to join him in prayer to the Virgin Mary. The crowd responded with cheers as he led a short prayer, followed by a reading in Latin to honor the saints and the Madonna.
Pope Leo XIV’s election marks a new chapter for the global Catholic community, symbolizing both a continuity of faith and a new cultural milestone for the Church.