Pope Francis' successor, Pope Leo XIV, has given his first greeting, and at the same time his first message from the Lodge of St. Peter, following his selection by the conclave.
The Holy Father prayed for peace throughout the world, a peace that comes from God.
"Peace be with you all."
"Dear sisters and brothers, this is my first greeting. I want this first greeting of mine to be a message of peace throughout the world. Peace be with you. A peace that comes from God. From God who loves everyone, unconditionally."
Pope Leo XIV said that the world must follow in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis, whose voice he described as powerful and blessing.
"We must continue to listen to the weak but powerful voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome and has blessed the entire world, on Easter morning."
Further, the Holy Father continued by expressing God's love for His children, and that the world needs His light.
"This message says that God loves you, God loves you all. Evil will not prevail. God loves you all. God is among us. The world needs the light of Christ. Humanity needs His light."
Pope Leo XIV described his vision for the Catholic Church as a Church that "builds bridges."
"We must strive together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue ," the Pope said in his speech on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica today.
There was gratitude from the new Pope to the conclave that appointed him head of the Church.
"I thank all those who chose me as successor to Pope Francis. I want to give this special thanks to Santa Maria."
The 69-year-old was elected in a vote on Thursday afternoon, which ended at 6:07 p.m., as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel. He is the first pope born in North America, in Chicago, United States.
Robert Francis Privos received the votes of more than two-thirds of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave that began Wednesday afternoon in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. He also served as bishop of the diocese of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023. In February of this year, Pope Francis appointed him cardinal bishop of the diocese of Albano in the Province of Rome.