Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, made his second official public appearance on Sunday, as he led a prayer to the Virgin Mary from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The event, which took place at noon (1000 GMT), drew thousands of pilgrims and worshippers from around the world, eager to catch a glimpse of the new pontiff. Born Robert Francis Prevost, Leo XIV spent much of his early life as a missionary in Peru before being elected as the 267th pope by cardinals in a secret conclave on Thursday.
The pope, who is known for his modesty, addressed the crowd as a “humble servant of God” and expressed his deep sense of unworthiness in succeeding St. Peter. His words, shared in a transcript released by the Vatican, resonated with many, especially those hoping for a leader who could unite the Catholic Church and address the challenges facing the global faith community.
Among the crowd was Resfina Macoy Torrevillas, a 68-year-old pilgrim from San Diego, California, who said Leo’s appearance was the “highlight” of her group’s pilgrimage. “We’re hoping for a good year, because the Catholic Church is challenged right now, especially in the USA,” she said, expressing hope that the new pope would help heal divisions within the Church.
Pope Leo’s leadership is being seen as a continuation of the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in April. Leo has already expressed his admiration for Francis’s simplicity and dedication to service. Described as a calm and humble figure, Leo is expected to carry forward the Church’s focus on the poor and marginalized. He also emphasizes the importance of missionary work, particularly in areas far from Rome.
Leo’s upcoming schedule includes meetings with the international media, diplomats, and Vatican officials, as well as his first general audience on May 21. With the Church facing numerous challenges, Pope Leo’s leadership promises to bring a fresh perspective, inspired by the values of humility, service, and faith.
