Pope Leo XIV Holds First Blessing and Addresses Congregation

In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV reflects on unity and justice while honoring the tradition of the Catholic Church during a significant transition period.

Pope Leo XIV will deliver his first Sunday blessing and address to the faithful in St Peter's Square today, marking a monumental occasion for both the pontiff and the Catholic Church. As he recites the Regina Caeli prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary, this will be his first public engagement since the announcement of his election via white smoke on Thursday. Following the Mass, the Pope will offer blessings to those gathered and share his thoughts on the Church's direction.

On Saturday, before his first address, Pope Leo visited a shrine located just outside Rome and paid his respects at the tomb of his late predecessor, Pope Francis, in the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. His formal inauguration is set for next week, on May 18, coinciding with a special Mass in St Peter's Square.

Elected after a two-day conclave, Pope Leo XIV has had a busy debut week, including presiding over his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday and engaging with cardinals on Saturday. During that meeting, he openly expressed his feelings of unworthiness for the papal role while emphasizing his commitment to upholding "the precious legacy" of Pope Francis. He placed high importance on missionary work, dialogue, and the need to care for marginalised groups.

The new pontiff chose the name Leo in honor of the 19th-century Pope renowned for his advocacy of social justice. Reflecting modern concerns, he noted that developments in artificial intelligence and technology highlight the Church's continued relevance in defending human dignity and promoting justice.

On Monday, Pope Leo is scheduled to engage with the media before his inauguration Mass next Sunday, where he will deliver a homily alongside numerous global leaders. As the 267th Pope and the first American in this role, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, he takes on the responsibility of leading a global congregation of 1.4 billion Catholics. His background as a missionary in Peru and a past role as an archbishop there contribute to his diverse perspective.

Widely perceived as a moderate leader who embodies "continuity" and "unity," Pope Leo XIV is expected to carry forward the values championed by Pope Francis, particularly concerning migrants, environmentalism, and social justice.

In his first address, he resonated with attendees by stating a desire to "walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice."