By Ginaba Lino
The newly elected leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, delivered his first public address at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, calling on the world to honor the legacy and moral courage of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
“Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome – the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter,” said His Holiness Pope Leo.
In his heartfelt message, Pope Leo XIV urged global communities to support the Church in building unity through dialogue and peaceful encounter.
“We are disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.”
Addressing Catholics around the world, he emphasized the Church’s mission to become more inclusive and compassionate, especially toward those suffering.
“To all you brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, we want to be a synodal Church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, and closeness, especially to those who are suffering.”
He encouraged Church leaders—Cardinals, Bishops, and clergy—to focus on making the Church more missionary and open to all.
“We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love.”
Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to his fellow cardinals for entrusting him with the papacy and vowed to work with them to uphold peace and justice.
“Thank you to my Cardinal brothers who chose me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel.”
He concluded by calling for collective prayer for the Church’s mission and peace across the world.