FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE -Standing before a jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square, newly elected Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful for the first time Thursday, delivering a message of peace and unity.
The former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost appeared visibly moved as he stepped onto the basilica’s balcony, where thousands had gathered, chanting, “Long live the Pope.”
“Peace to all, brothers and sisters. This is the first greeting of the Risen Lord, and may it reach your families, throughout the earth,” Leo XIV told the crowd. “May peace be with you. This is the peace of the Risen Lord, a humble and persistent peace, coming from God who loves us all, infinitely.”
Referencing his predecessor, Pope Francis, he recalled the blessing given to Rome and the world on Easter morning. He vowed to continue that message, urging unity and faith.
“Evil will not prevail. Without fear, united, hand in hand, we move forward,” he said. “Help us build bridges through dialogue, through encounters, all united as one people. Always in peace.”
Leo XIV is the first American to ascend to the papacy, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church.