U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected Pope of the Catholic Church, becoming the first American to hold the office.
The Chicago-born pontiff has formally taken the name Pope Leo XIV.
Addressing the cheering crowd from the balcony at the Vatican in Italian, the 69-year-old says:
“Peace be with all of you.
“Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”
Continuing his message of peace, the new pontiff notes, “God loves us all, unconditionally.”
He pays tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, stating that he wishes to deliver his own blessing to the people as Pope Francis did in his final appearance in St. Peter’s Square.
“Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges.”
Pope Leo XIV then thanks the cardinals who elected him during the two-day conclave.
He briefly pauses as the crowd applauds and cheers.
“We can all walk together towards that homeland God has prepared for us,” he says. “A special greeting to the Church of Rome.”
The Pope then switches to Spanish to thank his former diocese in Peru, “where a loyal people has shared its faith and has given a lot.”
Switching back to Italian, the new pontiff calls on the crowd to pray to the Virgin Mary “together” for her blessing.
He then leads the people in a quick prayer, which is greeted by further cheering.
After concluding his speech, the new Pope begins reading a religious passage in Latin, paying homage to the saints and the Madonna.