Cardinal Robert Prevost delivered his inaugural speech as Pope Leo XIV from the iconic balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, shortly after his election as pontiff. This momentous occasion marks a new chapter in the Catholic Church, filled with hope and a call to unity among all believers. Below is a detailed transcript of the speech, translated from its original Italian.
"Peace be with all of you!" began Pope Leo XIV, echoing the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who sacrificed his life for God's flock. The new Pope expressed his desire for this message of peace to resonate within the hearts of the faithful, reaching families and individuals across the globe. "Peace be with you!" he reiterated, emphasizing that this peace, a unique blend of humility and strength, originates from God, who loves us unconditionally.
In his speech, Pope Leo XIV paid homage to the legacy of Pope Francis, recalling the courageous voice of his predecessor who blessed Rome and the world on that memorable Easter morning. "Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail!" he proclaimed, reminding everyone that we are all in the hands of God. With this divine assurance, he called upon the faithful to move forward without fear, united in their mission as disciples of Christ.
The newly elected Pope emphasized the importance of building bridges through dialogue and fostering unity among all people. "Humanity needs Christ as the bridge that connects us to God and His love," he stated. "Help us, too, and help each other to build bridges, with dialogue and meetings, uniting us all to be one people, always in peace." This call for collaboration highlights the Church's commitment to fostering community and understanding in a world that often seems divided.
Pope Leo XIV expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the brother cardinals who elected him as Peter's Successor. "I am honored to walk together with you, as a united Church always seeking peace and justice," he said. The Pope reaffirmed the Church's mission to be faithful to Jesus Christ and to boldly proclaim the Gospel as missionaries of hope and love.
Identifying himself as a son of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV referenced the saint's profound statement: "With you, I am a Christian; for you, I am a bishop." This declaration underscores the Pope's commitment to serving the Church and its faithful, guiding them towards the eternal homeland that God has prepared for His people.
Turning his attention to the Church of Rome, the Pope extended a special greeting, urging everyone to strive together to be a missionary Church. "We must seek together how to be a Church that builds bridges, always open to receive those in need of our charity, presence, dialogue, and love," he stated passionately. His message resonated deeply with the faithful, reminding them of their collective responsibility to embody Christ's love.
Pope Leo XIV took a moment to express his love for his home diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, where he was supported by a devoted community. "A faithful people accompanied their bishop, shared their faith, and contributed immensely to our mission of remaining faithful to Jesus Christ," he remarked, highlighting the importance of local communities in the broader Church mission.
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV articulated his vision for a Church of the Synod—a Church that walks together, always seeking peace and charity, especially for those who suffer. He called upon the faithful to join him in prayer, particularly on the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii, invoking the intercession and love of the Blessed Mother to guide the Church in its new mission. "Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world," he urged, inviting all to join in a heartfelt prayer: "Hail Mary..."
