In a heartfelt address from St. Peter’s Basilica, newly elected Pope Leo XIV called for compassion and collaboration among nations, urging followers to remember those in suffering and to seek unity in faith and purpose.
Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity and Peace in First Address
Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity and Peace in First Address
In his inaugural speech, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the need for peace and unity among all people.
May 8, 2025 – In his first public address as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV spoke from the iconic balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, delivering a powerful and moving message about peace and humanity. Appearing in both Italian and Spanish, he extended a personal greeting with a heartfelt “Peace be with you,” echoing the words of Christ and welcoming all individuals into a collective spirit of love and grace.
The Pope emphasized the importance of reconciliation and kindness, stating that God loves every person “without limits or conditions.” He invoked the lessons of his predecessor, Pope Francis, recognizing his dedication to spreading peace and blessings across the globe. Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude for the support of the Cardinals who elected him as the successor of Saint Peter, affirming a commitment to forge a path of unity and justice for the Church and its followers.
He drew on the teachings of Saint Augustine, expressing a desire to walk alongside his congregation and inspire collaboration as “disciples of Christ.” He voiced hope for a collective journey towards a promised homeland, which he stated God has prepared for humanity. In an age marked by division, Pope Leo XIV's call to build bridges through dialogue stands as a reminder of the Church’s mission to foster an inclusive and peaceful community.
His words reflect a continued commitment to the core values of the Christian faith, aiming to unify believers and encourage the faithful to step forward in service of others. This initial address sets the tone for his papacy as one focused on love, social justice, and mutual support among all people.
The Pope emphasized the importance of reconciliation and kindness, stating that God loves every person “without limits or conditions.” He invoked the lessons of his predecessor, Pope Francis, recognizing his dedication to spreading peace and blessings across the globe. Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude for the support of the Cardinals who elected him as the successor of Saint Peter, affirming a commitment to forge a path of unity and justice for the Church and its followers.
He drew on the teachings of Saint Augustine, expressing a desire to walk alongside his congregation and inspire collaboration as “disciples of Christ.” He voiced hope for a collective journey towards a promised homeland, which he stated God has prepared for humanity. In an age marked by division, Pope Leo XIV's call to build bridges through dialogue stands as a reminder of the Church’s mission to foster an inclusive and peaceful community.
His words reflect a continued commitment to the core values of the Christian faith, aiming to unify believers and encourage the faithful to step forward in service of others. This initial address sets the tone for his papacy as one focused on love, social justice, and mutual support among all people.
