The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, marked a significant milestone in the Catholic Church’s modern history, making him the first American-born pontiff and underscoring the growing spiritual and demographic influence of the Western Hemisphere in global Catholicism.
A native of Chicago and a member of the Order of St. Augustine, Leo XIV brings a deep background in missionary work and ecclesiastical governance, including years of pastoral service in Peru. His elevation to the papacy reflects both the geographic diversification of the College of Cardinals and the enduring legacy of Pope Francis, whose appointments were pivotal in shaping the conclave’s direction.
The choice of the name “Leo” is laden with historical meaning. It echoes Pope Leo XIII, remembered for his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which laid the groundwork for Catholic social teaching. Church analysts widely interpret the selection as an intent to reaffirm the Church’s commitment to justice, human dignity, and responsible governance.
In a return to traditional formality, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica in full ceremonial vestments, including a red mozzetta—a shoulder cape shelved during the Francis era—and an elaborately embroidered stole. The visual symbolism of these garments, particularly the rich reds and golds, invoked continuity with past pontificates and a renewed emphasis on the sacred dignity of the papal office.
His newly unveiled coat of arms furthers this message. Divided into four quarters, the arms feature a prominent image of a pelican feeding its young with its own blood—an ancient Christian emblem of Christ’s sacrificial love and the Eucharist. Additional elements include Marian iconography and Augustinian emblems, underscoring his doctrinal roots and personal spirituality.
A notable aspect of Pope Leo XIV’s spiritual life is his deep devotion to the Madonna of Pompeii, Our Lady of the Rosary. This Marian devotion, rooted in the late 19th century through the efforts of Blessed Bartolo Longo, emphasizes the power of the Rosary in personal and communal transformation. The Pope’s reverence for the Madonna of Pompeii aligns with his commitment to traditional Catholic practices and highlights his dedication to Marian intercession as a source of guidance and comfort for the faithful.
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV called for unity, compassion, and peace in a world marked by division and secularism. While respectful of Francis’ pastoral legacy, Leo XIV signaled a possible shift toward a more formal expression of the faith, with a reemphasis on doctrine, liturgy, and continuity.
His election suggests not rupture, but refinement—a leadership poised to marry tradition with the demands of an increasingly globalized and complex ecclesial landscape.
Full text of Pope Leo XIV’s first speech: ‘Peace be with you’
The following is the full first speech of Pope Leo XIV, given from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica shortly after his election as the new pope and leader of the Catholic Church.
“Peace be with all of you!
Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God’s flock. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your heart, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you!
This is the peace of the Risen Christ, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still have in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed Rome!
The pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that Easter morning.
Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God’s hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward.
We are disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge to reach God and His love.
elp us too, then help each other to build bridges – with dialogue, with encounter, uniting all of us to be one people always in peace. Thank you, Pope Francis!
I also want to thank all the fellow cardinals who chose me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk with you, as a united Church always seeking peace, justice – always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries.
I am a son of Saint Augustine, (an) Augustinian, who said: “With you I am a Christian and for you a bishop.” In this sense, we can all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.
To the Church of Rome, a special greeting! We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges (and) dialogue, always open to receive (people), like this square, with open arms – everyone, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.
(Switching into Spanish) And if you allow me also, a word, a greeting to all those, and particularly to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop, have shared their faith, and have given so much, so much to continue being a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.
(Switching back to Italian) To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close especially to those who suffer.
Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, to stay close, to help us with her intercession and her love.
So I would like to pray together with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world, and let us ask for this special grace from Mary, our Mother.”
