Rome (Italy). On 8 May 2025, at 19:23, the news came the whole world was awaiting: the 267th Bishop of Rome is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leon XIV, elected by the Conclave at the 4th ballot.
After the announcement of the Cardinal protodeacon Dominique Mamberti – “Nuntio vobis gaudium magnum, Habemus Papam” – the new Pontiff appeared at the external Loggia of the Blessing of the Vatican Basilica to greet the festive crowd and impart the Apostolic Blessing “Urbi et Orbi”.
“Peace be with you all!” are his first words. “Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for God’s flock. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, reach your families, all people wherever they are, all peoples, all the earth. Peace be with you!
This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarmed and disarming, humble and persevering peace. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still keep in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed Rome!
Thank you to Pope Francis
The Pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the whole world, that morning of Easter day. Allow me to follow that same blessing. God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we go forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge to be reached by God and His love. Help us, you as well, then with each other to build bridges with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people always in peace. Thank you, Pope Francis!
Walking as a united Church
I also want to thank all the Brother Cardinals who have chosen me to be Successor of Peter and walk together with you as a united Church always seeking peace, justice; always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries.
An Augustinian Pope
I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian, who said: “with you I am a Christian and for you I am a bishop.” In this sense, we can all walk together towards the homeland that God has prepared for us.
To be a missionary Church
A special greeting to the Church of Rome! We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receive with open arms like this square. All, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, and love.
And if you will allow me, also a word, a greeting to all those and in particular to my dear diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop, shared their faith, and given so much, so much, to remain a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.
A synodal Church
To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always tries to be close, especially to those who suffer.
Prayer to Mary
Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, to be close, to help us with her intercession and love.
Now I would like to pray with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world, and ask this special grace of Mary, our Mother. Hail Mary…
