BREAKING: New Pope Robert Prevost, to be known as Pope Leo
First image of new pope
The newly elected, Chicago-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, is now on the front balcony to deliver his first speech.
Addressing the cheering crowd in Italian, 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.”
More lines from the new pope, who continues with a message of peace as he notes “God loves us all, unconditionally”.
He pays tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, as he says he wants to deliver his own blessing to the people as Pope Francis did in his last 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 speaks in Italian and Spanish to thank cardinals and former diocese
Image source,ReutersPope 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.”
Provost then switches to Spanish to thank his former diocese in Peru “where a loyal people has shared its faith and has given a lot”.