Vatican City.– The new pope, the American, but also with Peruvian nationality, Robert Prevost, who chose the name Leo XIV, gave a long speech from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after being presented to the world and called for peace and a Church open to all, especially those who suffer.
It was a written speech, unlike its predecessors, and in which he also spoke in Spanish.
“Dear sisters and brothers. This is the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I would also like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts and reach your families, all people everywhere, all peoples, all the earth, Peace be with you,” he began his speech.
“A disarming, humble, and persevering peace comes from God. God who loves us all and unconditionally. We still keep in our ears that weak, but always brave, voice of Pope Francis blessing in Rome. In that same blessing God loves us. God loves you all and evil will not prevail,” he began his speech in which he seemed emotional.
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“Thank you, Pope Francis,” said Prevost, who was very close to the Argentine pope and who is considered a reformer and progressive like him.
Leo XIV then asked to “build bridges with dialogue with the encounter, leading us all to be one people always in peace”.
And to the cardinals, who elected him on the fourth ballot, he also urged them to: “walk alongside you as a united Church, always seeking peace and justice, always seeking to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear of announcing the Gospel, of being missionaries”.
“We must seek together to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges and dialogue always open to receive everyone, all those who need our charity, our presence,” he added.
He also asked to be “a synodal church, a Church that walks a church that always seeks peace. It always seeks to be close, especially to those who suffer so much.”
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And he dedicated a few words in Spanish in his first appearance to the world as pontiff to remember his “beloved” diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru.
“And if you allow me a word, a greeting… to all those, in a particular way, to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo in Peru,” proclaimed the newly elected pontiff from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
A country, he added, “where a faithful people has accompanied its bishop, has shared its faith and has given so much to continue being a faithful church of Jesus Christ.”
American Augustinian, Prevost has worked in different missions in Peru and in 2015 Francisco appointed him bishop of Chiclayo.
The new pope wanted to conclude with an Hail Mary to ask the Virgin “for the whole Church for peace in the world”.
