Pope Leo XIV delivers inaugural speech emphasizing peace and unity

Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural speech from Saint Peter's Basilica, emphasizing peace, unity, and dialogue to combat evil, and thanked the cardinals who chose him.

In his address, Pope Leo praised Pope Francis for blessing Rome and the world on Easter morning and urged the Church to build bridges through missionary work.

He also expressed gratitude to his diocese in Peru and delivered a first 'Urbi et Orbi' (to the city and the world) blessing to pilgrims and millions watching around the world, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo highlighted the importance of being a synodal Church that seeks peace and charity, especially for those who suffer, and called for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among nations and peoples.

The speech concluded with a prayer for peace and unity, invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Pompeii, and the Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass for the cardinals at the Sistine Chapel on Friday morning.