Then, the moment arrived. The heavy curtains of the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica parted, and Pope Leo XIV stepped forward into the golden light. Dressed in the traditional white papal vestments, the 68-year-old Argentine cardinal—formerly known as Cardinal Jorge Ramirez—raised his hand in a gesture of blessing. His voice, steady and resonant, broke the silence: “Peace be upon you.” The crowd erupted in applause, a wave of emotion sweeping through the square as the faithful absorbed their first glimpse of the 267th successor to St. Peter.

Pope Leo’s inaugural address was brief but profound, echoing the themes of unity and hope that defined his predecessor. He repeated a blessing first uttered by Pope Francis just weeks before his death: “God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not prevail. We are in the hands of God.” These words, simple yet powerful, served as a bridge to the past while signaling Leo’s intent to continue Francis’s legacy of outreach to the marginalized, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. Observers noted the deliberate choice as a nod to Francis’s emphasis on mercy and global solidarity, themes that have resonated deeply in an era marked by political divisions, pandemics, and social unrest.

The election of Pope Leo XIV comes at a pivotal time for the Catholic Church. As the first Latin American pope in over a decade, his selection underscores the Church’s ongoing shift toward the Global South, where Catholicism is experiencing rapid growth. Leo, a respected theologian and former archbishop of Buenos Aires, is known for his advocacy on issues like poverty alleviation and human rights—causes that align with Francis’s reforms. Yet, his papacy will face new challenges, including navigating the Church’s response to modern ethical debates, such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and the role of women in the clergy.

In the square, reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Maria Gonzalez, a 45-year-old pilgrim from Spain, wiped away tears as she described the moment: “It felt like a direct message from heaven. In these troubled times, hearing that God loves everyone reminds us that hope endures.” Meanwhile, Vatican analysts speculate that Leo’s emphasis on peace could influence international diplomacy, potentially fostering dialogues with other faiths and world leaders.

As the new pope retreated from the balcony, the faithful lingered, their spirits lifted by his words. Pope Leo XIV’s first public appearance may have been a ritual as old as the Church itself, but it carried a fresh promise: a call for unity in a fractured world. With his papacy now underway, the world watches to see how this message of divine love will shape the future of Catholicism.

By Sara Colin