Pope Leo XIV's Inaugural Speech at St. Peter’s Basilica Calls for Global Peace and Compassion

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, delivered his first address as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8, 2025. Speaking to over 40,000 in St. Peter’s Square and millions worldwide, he emphasized peace, unity, and compassion. He honored his predecessor, Pope Francis, and urged global solidarity with the suffering. Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is the first American and Peruvian pope. His speech included a plenary indulgence and was praised by global leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, for its message of peace and justice.

A Greeting of Peace and Continuity

Opening with the words “Peace be with you,” Pope Leo XIV echoed the greeting of the risen Christ to his disciples, setting the tone for a speech deeply rooted in Christian tradition and pastoral care. “This is the peace of the risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace,” he said, adding that it is a peace that “comes from God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions.”

The pope’s first words were not only a spiritual invocation but also a continuation of the legacy of Pope Francis, whom he praised for his humility and courage. “Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis,” he said, referencing the late pontiff’s Easter blessing to the world. “Allow me to continue that same blessing. God loves us, all of us. Evil will not prevail.”

A Call to Unity and Mission

Pope Leo XIV, the first American and Peruvian citizen to ascend to the papacy, emphasized the need for unity within the Church and across the world. “We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward,” he declared. He described the Church as a “synodal church,” one that walks together, listens, and seeks peace and charity, especially for those who suffer.

He thanked the College of Cardinals for entrusting him with the papal office and expressed his desire to walk with the faithful “as a united church searching all together for peace and justice.” He called on all people to be “missionaries, faithful to the Gospel,” and to help build bridges through dialogue and encounter.

Remembering the Suffering

A central theme of the address was remembrance and solidarity with those who are suffering. Pope Leo XIV urged the Church and the world to remain close to the marginalized, the poor, and the afflicted. “We must be a Church that always seeks peace. Always seeks charity. Always tries to be close especially to those who suffer,” he said.

He also invoked the day’s significance, noting that May 8 is the day of the Supplicatio to Our Lady of Pompeii, a traditional plea for intercession and mercy. This liturgical reference underscored his call for prayerful reflection and compassion.

A Pope with Deep Roots and Global Vision

Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine and previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru. He greeted his former diocese warmly during his speech, saying in Spanish, “Hello to all and especially to those of my diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, a loyal, faithful people.”

His choice of the name “Leo” is widely seen as a nod to two influential predecessors: Pope Leo XIII, known for his groundbreaking encyclical Rerum Novarum on workers’ rights and social justice, and Pope Leo the Great, a fifth-century theologian and peacemaker. This dual reference suggests a papacy that may blend doctrinal clarity with a strong commitment to social teaching and global engagement.

A Blessing for the World

In a powerful moment, Pope Leo XIV granted a plenary indulgence to all who received his blessing, whether present in St. Peter’s Square or watching via radio, television, or digital media. He then led the faithful in the Hail Mary, reinforcing the spiritual and communal nature of the occasion.

He concluded his address with a pastoral reflection drawn from Saint Augustine, saying, “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” This phrase encapsulated his vision of servant leadership and his desire to walk with the people of God toward a shared spiritual homeland.

Global Reactions and Support

The speech was met with widespread acclaim and emotional responses from the crowd. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement congratulating the new pope and expressing hope for continued collaboration between the Holy See and the UN. “Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion,” Guterres said, affirming the significance of the pope’s message in a time of global uncertainty.

References

• Transcript of Cardinal Robert Prevost's first speech as Pope Leo XIV
• Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd in his first appearance
• Pope Leo XIV’s Hope that Peace of Christ Might Grow - Loyola Marymount University Newsroom
• Congratulating Pope Leo XIV on His Election, Secretary-General Says He Looks Forward to Building on Long Legacy of UN-Holy See Cooperation to Advance Global Solidarity | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases
• Divine Office – Liturgy of the Hours of the Roman Catholic Church (Breviary)
• 'Peace be with you all,' Pope Leo XIV says in first speech
• Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff, Honors Pope Francis in Moving First Speech — and Declares 'Evil Will Not Prevail'