In his first public address as the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message of hope, unity, and renewal, proclaiming that “the world needs His light,” in reference to Jesus Christ.

 

Speaking from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica before a global audience, Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday. He reflected on Pope Francis’s enduring legacy, recalling, “Let us hold in our hearts the faint yet powerful voice of Pope Francis, who once blessed the city of Rome… and the entire world.”

 

Emphasizing themes of bridge-building, dialogue, and inclusivity, Pope Leo XIV laid out the foundational vision for his papacy.

 

“Allow me now to continue that blessing: God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, and united, hand in hand with God and with one another, let us move forward together,” he urged.

 

He went on to declare, “We are the disciples of Christ, and Christ goes before us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge to God and His boundless love.”

 

Reaffirming the Church’s mission, he added, “Let us work together to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, that we may become one people, living always in peace.”

 

The new Pope expressed deep gratitude to the College of Cardinals for their confidence in him and to Pope Francis for his transformative leadership. “I am a son of Saint Augustine,” he said, quoting the saint: “With you, I am a Christian; for you, I am a bishop.” He invited the Church to walk together “as one united Church,” guided by peace, justice, and missionary zeal.

 

He also extended a warm greeting in Spanish to the faithful of his former diocese in Peru, acknowledging their faith and companionship on his journey.

 

“To all the faithful in Rome, throughout Italy, and across the world,” he concluded, “we must be a synodal Church—a Church that walks together, that seeks peace, charity, and draws near to those who suffer.”