Pope Leo XIV First Speech, Full Text and Translation for Not available

Habemus Papam: Pope Leo XIV

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With joy and gratitude to God, we share the news that the College of Cardinals, gathered in solemn conclave, has elected a new pope: Robert Francis Prevost, who has chosen the name Leo the Fourteenth.

Pope Leo XIV was elected on the fourth ballot of the conclave, a sign of unity and clarity among the cardinal electors. He is 69 years old, born in the United States, and was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023. His pastoral experience, deep theological formation, and long service to the Church have prepared him for this moment of great responsibility.

Guided by the Holy Spirit

We give thanks that, through prayer and discernment, the Holy Spirit has guided the Church once again in choosing a successor to Saint Peter. As Pope Leo XIV now begins his pontificate, we invite the entire Divine Office community to join us in prayer:

“May the Lord bless our new Holy Father with wisdom, courage, and compassion.
May he be a shepherd after Christ’s own heart,
and may his leadership renew the Church in unity and holiness.”

Leo: A Name with History

In choosing the name Leo, the new pope recalls a line of remarkable predecessors. Most notably, Saint Leo the Great, who led the Church in the fifth century with clarity and strength during a time of great turmoil. His choice may well be a sign of the new pope’s desire to guide the Church with conviction, humility, and pastoral care.

A Word from Pope Leo XIV

From the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, on the evening of May 8th, 2025, at 7:25 PM local time, the new Holy Father offered his first message to the world. His words were simple, heartfelt, and centered on Christ’s peace:

“Peace be with you” — dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the flock of God.

I too wish that this greeting of peace may enter our hearts and reach your families, all people wherever they may be, every nation, the whole world: peace be with you.

This is the peace of the Risen Christ — a peace that is disarmed and disarming, humble and enduring. It comes from God, who loves us all unconditionally.

We still hear the voice — now faint but ever courageous — of Pope Francis blessing Rome. He gave his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning.

Allow me to continue in that same spirit: God loves us. God loves you all. Evil will not prevail. We are all in God’s hands. So, without fear, hand in hand with God and with one another, let us move forward.

We are disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge that leads us to God and His love.

Help us — and help one another — to build bridges through dialogue, through encounter, so that we may all be united as one people, always in peace.

Thank you, Pope Francis!

I wish to thank my brother Cardinals who have chosen me to be Peter’s successor and to walk with you as one Church, always seeking peace and justice.

I am a son of Saint Augustine — an Augustinian — who said, “With you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop.” In this spirit, we walk together toward the homeland God has prepared for us.

To the Church of Rome, a special greeting.
Together we must seek how to be a missionary Church — a Church that builds bridges of dialogue, always open to welcome, like this very square, with open arms, all those in need of our charity, our presence, our love.

To all of you — brothers and sisters from Rome, from Italy, from all over the world — we want to be a Synodal Church, a Church that walks, that always seeks peace, seeks charity, and remains close especially to those who suffer.

Today, on the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii, may our Mother Mary walk with us, remain close to us, and help us with her intercession and love.

So let us pray together — for this new mission, for the whole Church, and for peace in the world. And let us ask this special grace from Mary, our Mother.

[Here the Holy Father led the Hail Mary with the faithful gathered in the square]

Amen.

Pope Leo XIV then granted a plenary indulgence to all who received his blessing, both in Saint Peter’s Square and through the radio, television, and digital media.

Let Us Pray

We encourage you to include Pope Leo XIV in your daily intentions. You may also post intercessory prayers for him on DivineOffice.org, or show your support by clicking “Amen” on the prayers of fellow community members.

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.”
— Matthew 16:18

Let us remain united in prayer for our Holy Father, the Church, and one another as we begin this new chapter together under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.

In communion of prayer,
The Divine Office Team