First US pope says church must ‘build bridges’ in balcony address

Cliff Notes – First US pope says church must ‘build bridges’ in balcony address

Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the US, holds dual citizenship with Peru, where he served as a missionary for decades.
His inaugural speech included Italian and Spanish, honouring both the papacy’s tradition and his roots in Peru, while appealing for global peace amid ongoing conflicts.
The new pope emphasised a “disarmed peace” and reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis, highlighting his impactful final blessing.

First US Pope says church must ‘build bridges’ in balcony address – as world leaders send their congratulations

After hours of voting, we have a new pope.

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the US, but holds dual citizenship in Peru, where he was a missionary for decades before becoming a cardinal.

None of his speech to the crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square was in English, but rather Italian, the language of the papacy, and a brief foray into Spanish to greet his former community in Peru.

Before heading into the secret conclave on 7 May, the world’s cardinals issued a statement lamenting the conflicts “in Ukraine, the Middle East, and many other parts of the world” and making a “heartfelt appeal” for peace.

The new pope has said he wanted to share God’s peace, calling it “a disarmed peace and a disarming peace” that is “humble and persevering.”

Leo also mentioned Francis, who offered his last blessing to crowds in Rome on Easter Sunday, the day before he died.

“We still have in our ears that weak, but always courageous voice of Pope Francis,” he said.