First greeting and blessing Urbi et Orbi

Summary

Minutes after his election, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the central loggia of St Peter's. He greeted the world with 'Peace be with you all', paid tribute to Pope Francis, quoted St Augustine, greeted his former diocese of Chiclayo in Spanish, and imparted the blessing Urbi et Orbi.

Key points

• Opened with the greeting 'Peace be with you all'.
• Called for a 'disarmed and disarming' peace and for building bridges.
• Paid tribute to the legacy of Pope Francis.
• Quoted St Augustine and referred to his own Augustinian identity.
• Greeted the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in Spanish.
• Led the crowd in the Hail Mary and gave the apostolic blessing.

Important quotes

Context

The first words of a pontificate set its tone. Reporting focused on the emphasis on peace and on Leo XIV being the first US-born pope, with deep ties to Peru.