Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost delivered his first speech to a cheering crowd from the front balcony of the Vatican, addressing them in Italian.
The 69-year-old pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, extended a warm greeting, saying, “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.”
As the first American-born pope, Pope Leo XIV’s historic election marks a significant milestone in the Catholic Church.
Prior to his papacy, he served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.
