In brief
Pope Leo XIV addressed a crowd from St. Peter’s Basilica, urging everyone to seek peace and lend support to those who are suffering globally.
On May 8, 2025, during his initial public address as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV spoke from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, sharing an inspiring message centered on peace and solidarity. Greeting the crowd in both Italian and Spanish, he called for universal peace, encouraging people to remember those who are suffering across the world.“Peace be with you!” he began, echoing the opening words of the risen Christ. He emphasized that this peace, coming directly from God, knows no boundaries. The Pope also took a moment to honor his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose compassionate message had blessed Rome and beyond.Leo XIV expressed a need for humanity to unite under God's love, stating, "Evil will not prevail." He invited all to work together in fostering dialogue to bring people together as one community, anchored in faith. Quoting Saint Augustine, the Pope reflects on his faith journey while urging everyone to walk together toward a promising future crafted by God.His heartfelt message resonated with the crowd, advocating for a renewed commitment to justice and evangelism, as he strives to lead the Church in a spirit of unity and purpose amidst global challenges.
