Pope Leo XIV Greets Faithful for First Time from St. Peter’s Basilica Balcony
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, directly addressing a vibrant crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Having been elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost, who takes the papal name Leo XIV, greeted thousands of faithful with an earnest proclamation: “Peace be with you.” This message echoed the sentiments of his predecessor, reinforcing a vision for a Church deeply engaged with the contemporary world.
As he addressed the congregation, Pope Leo XIV emphasized his desire for a “synodal church,” one committed to companionship, dialogue, and above all, a steadfast pursuit of peace. “We want to be a synodal church, a church which walks, a church which always looks for peace, always looks for charity, always looks to be close, especially to those who suffer,” he stated. His words resonated within the hearts of many, instilling hope for a Church that prioritizes compassion and connection with the marginalized.
Born in Chicago and relatively unknown on the world stage until now, Pope Leo XIV is notably the first pope from the United States. His ecclesiastical journey has been marked by years of missionary work in Peru, where he dedicated himself to serving communities in need. Recently elevated to the cardinalate in 2023, his rise to the papacy represents not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for American Catholics and the global Church.
The sense of fraternity and collective mission was palpable among the crowd, as Pope Leo XIV beckoned all “brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of all over the world” to unite in achieving a shared vision of peace and charity. His inaugural address laid the foundation for a papacy aspiring to connect deeply with the faithful and to tackle modern challenges with love and empathy. As the Church enters this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV, many will be watching closely to see how his leadership unfolds in the years ahead.
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Video “Pope Leo XIV greets faithful for 1st time from St. Peter’s Basilica balcony” was uploaded on 05/09/2025 to Youtube Channel Global News