In his first address, the Holy Father quoted St. Augustine: “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.”
ROME, ITALY–In his first address as the new pontiff, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost addressed the cheering crowds in Italian and Spanish. Those gathered in St. Peter’s Square, and those watching from around the world, received the papal blessing with the possibility of a plenary indulgence.
Vatican News reports, “The first Augustinian Pope, Robert Prevost – now Leo XIV – is the second Roman Pontiff from the Americas after Pope Francis.” He was born in Chicago, educated at Villanova University, and spent years as a missionary in Peru. Over his ministry, he has been called to positions of increasing leadership, including Prior General of the Augustinian Order, and most recently, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops. He was named a cardinal in 2023 and participated in the Synod on synodality.
The newly elected Pope thanked his fellow cardinals for their support, and Pope Francis for blessing Rome. He asked all to pray for him and promised his prayers for us as together we work to build bridges and follow our Good Shepherd.
Bishop David Bonnar released a statement pledging “our prayers and support for our new shepherd. […] As bishop I will celebrate a Mass on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral to pray for our new pope. I invite not only our clergy, religious, and faithful but religious leaders and people of all faiths to join us as we celebrate and offer prayers for Pope Leo XIV.
“In addition, I will lead an evening prayer service on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Ravenna (center of diocese) for all who work for the Church.”
Photo: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has chosen the papal name Leo XIV, appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 8, 2025, following his election during the conclave. He is the first American pope in history. (OSV News photo/Yara Nardi, Reuters)
