Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Inaugural Blessing Following Election as Pontiff

In his inaugural blessings and addresses, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes continuity and a commitment to the Church's mission amidst contemporary challenges.

Pope Leo XIV is set to deliver his first Sunday blessing and address to a gathering in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, where he will recite the Regina Caeli prayer dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This public appearance marks the first time the newly-elected Pope has addressed a crowd since the announcement of his election via white smoke on Thursday.

On Saturday, prior to his address, Pope Leo prayed at the tomb of his predecessor, Francis, at Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, demonstrating his commitment to honoring the legacy of past Popes. Following a two-day conclave that concluded earlier this week, the 69-year-old pontiff was elected as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, making history as the first American Pope.

Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, had been engaged in missionary work in Peru prior to his elevation to archbishop. Although born in the U.S., he holds dual Peruvian nationality and is viewed as the second Pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis of Argentina. In his initial address to cardinals, Leo expressed humility by stating he felt unworthy of the papacy while emphasizing his intent to uphold the "precious legacy" left by his predecessor.

By choosing the name Leo, he invokes the legacy of a 19th-century Pope renowned for his advocacy of social justice. The new Pope underscored the Church's relevance in today's world, asserting its necessary role in advocating for human dignity amid rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and other technologies. This theme of advocacy extends to his commitment towards the marginalized and his desire to foster dialogue and missionary work.

Pope Leo XIV is expected to give a homily during the formal inauguration Mass scheduled for May 18, which will be attended by numerous heads of state and other dignitaries. Ahead of this significant event, he plans to address the media on Monday, further elaborating on his vision for the Church as one that seeks peace and justice while walking in unity with the faithful. As he steps into this pivotal role, the new pontiff is widely regarded as a moderate figure expected to carry forward a sense of continuity in the Church's mission.