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Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful and the world invoking peace and pledging to work for a united Church faithful to Jesus and to the Gospel.
Pope Leo XIV greeted the city of Rome and the world with the words “Peace be with all of you” at his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the Central Loggia of St Peter’s Basilica:
In His maiden address as the new Roman Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV exclaimed; Peace be with you!
“Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.
This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace. It comes from God. God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions. Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome – the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter.
Allow me to continue that same blessing. God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.” He said.
He thanked Pope Francis, His Cardinal brothers who chose him to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with all the members as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel.
The Holy Father continued in His speech;
“I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.
To the Church of Rome, a special greeting:
We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love.”
He found space to mention the people of Peru and especially to those of His Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, a loyal, faithful people accompanying the bishop and helping the bishop.
He concluded his speech by addressing all the faithful, brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, calling on them to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.
“Today is the day of the Supplicatio [Plea] to Our Lady of Pompei.
Our blessed mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close to us, she always wants to help us with her intercession and her love. So let us pray together for this mission, and for all of the Church, and for peace in the world.” He said
He concluded by commending all into the hands of Mary, our Mother.
As the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has become the spiritual leader of the worldwide Catholic Church at the age of 69. Notably, he is the first American Pope in the history of the Holy Catholic Church.
The new Pope’s appearance and blessing mark the beginning of his papacy, bringing joy and hope to Catholics globally.
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