In his first public address as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful appeal for peace, unity, and global solidarity, addressing tens of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square from the central balcony of the basilica. “Build bridges through dialogue and encounter,” he urged, setting the tone for a papacy grounded in openness and compassion.

This came shortly after USA Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected in a surprise choice as the new pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

Prevost becomes first US pope in Catholic Church history. A moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru, he became the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff.

Departing from long-standing papal tradition, Leo XIV became the first pope in history to read his inaugural remarks from a prepared text and to speak in two modern languages, Italian and Spanish, alongside the traditional Latin. His opening words echoed Christ’s Easter greeting. “Peace be with you,” he said. “This is the peace of the risen Christ—disarmed and disarming, humble and enduring… a peace that comes from God, who loves all of us unconditionally.”

The speech emphasized continuity with his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose focus on peace, inclusion, and humility helped define his twelve-year papacy. “I would like to thank all my brother cardinals who have chosen me to walk together with you as a united Church… to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ without fear,” Leo XIV said.

The new pontiff underscored the Church’s duty to stand close to the vulnerable. “We need to be a Church that walks the path of peace, that is always looking for charity, that stays close, especially to those who are suffering,” he stated.

A message of peace, humility, and shared journey

In a personal moment, he addressed Spanish-speaking faithful, especially those in Peru, where he had served previously. “It was a great pleasure for me to work in Peru,” he said, offering warm greetings “with affection” to his “compatriots".

Invoking the spirit of St. Augustine, he added, “I am a son of St Augustine… and with you, I am a Christian. We can all walk together toward the land God has prepared for us.”

Robert Francis Prevost makes his first appearance as #Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American to hold the papacy.

In his address from St. Peter’s Square, he calls for global unity and peace for all peoples.#Vatican pic.twitter.com/dyu1UVF0VK

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 8, 2025

Closing his address with a prayer to the Virgin Mary, Leo XIV called for her intercession as he embarked on his new mission. “Let us pray together for this new mission… and for peace throughout the world,” he said, concluding with the Hail Mary, broadcast globally via TV, radio, and digital media.

The Vatican announced that the new pope will begin his tenure by meeting senior Church leaders and preparing for a slate of diplomatic engagements, including a highly anticipated visit to South America later this year.

World leaders welcome Pope Leo XIV

World leaders on Thursday extended their congratulations to Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, following his historic election as the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. The transition was met with global praise, hopeful appeals for peace, and calls for renewed moral leadership.

Trump

US President Donald Trump celebrated the moment as a national milestone. “What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” he said in a statement, adding, “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

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Obama

Former US President Barack Obama praised the election as “a historic day for the United States,” noting Pope Leo’s Chicago roots. “We will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith,” he said.

Petro

On his part, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed hope that Pope Leo would become “a great leader for migrant peoples around the world.” Reflecting on the plight of Latin American migrants in the United States, he added, “It’s time for them to organize.”

Sheinbaum

Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, congratulated the new pontiff and emphasized their shared “humanist values in favor of world peace and prosperity.”

Brazil

Concurrently, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called on the new pope to extend the mission of Pope Francis.“He championed peace, environmental stewardship, social justice, and dialogue,” Lula said.

“We ask Pope Leo to continue the legacy of promoting more solidarity and humanity,” he stressed.

Boluarte

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte described Pope Leo XIV’s election as a deeply personal moment for the country. “A historic moment,” she said, calling the pope “a Peruvian by choice and conviction.”

“In our lands, he sowed hope, walking alongside those most in need,” she emphasized.

European leaders highlight peace, dialogue, rights

Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron called the election “a historic moment for the Catholic Church” and offered “a message of fraternity” to the new pope. “May this new pontificate be one of peace and hope,” he posted on social media.

“To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I extend a message of fraternity,” he said.

Sanchez

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he hoped Leo XIV’s papacy would “contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights.” Spain’s royal family added that his “call for peace inspires us, encourages us, and reflects the deep desire and sentiment of the Spanish people.”

Meloni

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the new pope’s message from the Loggia of Benedictions stood out as a moral appeal in troubled times. “His words are a powerful call to peace, brotherhood, and responsibility,” she declared, referencing ongoing global unrest.

Merz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the pope’s global role, saying he could “provide hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times.”

Duda 

Furthermore, Polish President Andrzej Duda also pledged support, voicing readiness to deepen cooperation “in the name of shared values, responsibility for the common good and the strengthening of peace in the world.”

Von der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added, “We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength… through his commitment to peace and dialogue.”

UK, Ukraine, and Russia call for moral clarity amid global crises

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the moment “deeply profound” for Catholics worldwide. “This is a momentous moment,” he said, emphasizing the historic nature of the first American papacy.

Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered his congratulations and called for “continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican” as Ukraine seeks to “restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.”

Putin

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in maintaining “constructive dialogue and cooperation” with the Vatican, grounded in “the Christian values that unite us.”

Ramaphosa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the pontiff’s message of solidarity and inclusion, noting that it “resonates with most of humanity and… honors the legacy of the late Pope Francis.”

Aoun

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the new pontiff’s election with hopes that he would “strengthen dialogue between religions and cultures,” noting Lebanon’s unique multi-faith identity as a symbol of coexistence.

UN

In a similar vein, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his intent to deepen cooperation with the Holy See. “I look forward to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See,” he said, pledging to promote reconciliation, solidarity, and “a just and sustainable world for all.”