This evening, the Holy Father Leo XIV, preceded by the Cross, appeared at the External Loggia of the Blessing of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the people and impart the Apostolic Blessing “Urbi et Orbi.”

Before the Blessing, the new Pope addressed the faithful with the following words:

Words of the Holy Father

Peace be with you all!

Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, wish that this greeting of peace may enter your hearts, reach your families, all people, wherever they may be, all nations, the whole world. Peace be with you!

This is the peace of the Risen Christ—a disarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still remember in our ears that weak but ever courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed Rome!

The Pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world—to the entire world—on that Easter morning. Allow me to continue that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil shall 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 be reached by God and His love. Help us, and help one another to build bridges—through dialogue, through encounter—uniting all so that we may be one people always in peace. Thank you, Pope Francis!

I also want to thank all the brother cardinals who chose me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk with you as a united Church, always seeking peace and justice, always striving 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 once said: “With you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop.” In this spirit, may we all walk together toward that homeland which God has prepared for us.

To the Church of Rome—a special greeting! [applause] Together we must seek how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, fosters dialogue, always open to welcome others like this square with open arms. All—all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, and love.

And if you will also allow me, a word—a greeting to all, and in a special way, to my beloved Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where a faithful people accompanied their bishop, shared their faith, and gave so much—so much—to continue being a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.

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 together, a Church always seeking peace, always seeking charity, always striving to be close—especially to those who suffer.

Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompei. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, to be close, to help us with her intercession and her love.

So now I would like to pray with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world, and let us ask this special grace from Mary, our Mother.

Hail Mary…