First American Pontiff Pope Leo XIV Paid Tribute To Pope Francis In Emotional First Address, Proclaiming ‘Evil Will Not Prevail’

May 13, 2025 by apost team

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Almost three weeks after the death of Pope Francis on Apr. 21, 2025, the papal conclave picked a new pontiff. After a process that took only two days, white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling a new pope's election. Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, a Chicago-born cardinal, made history by becoming the first North American-born pope. Prevost’s parents were of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, which he explained during an interview with an Italian network.

“I was born in the United States... But my grandparents were all immigrants, French, Spanish... I was raised in a very Catholic family, both of my parents were very engaged in the parish,” he said.

Although he has made history in this regard, he is as much South American as he has been working in Peru for decades, and holds Peruvian nationality. This made him the 267th pope, and following papal tradition, the Prevost chose the name Pope Leo XIV. This name was explained by Former Archbishop of Boston Seán Patrick O'Malley on his blog, writing that the new pope had “chosen a name widely associated with the social justice legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who was pontiff at a time of epic upheaval in the world, the time of the industrial revolution, the beginning of Marxism, and widespread immigration.”

Prevost has also made history as the first Augustinian friar elected pope.

In his first address as pope from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica on May 8, 2025, he said:

“I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. ... With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.”

Pope Leo XIV shared words of gratitude to his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, in his opening remarks. As he stepped out onto the balcony for the first time, his first words were, “peace be with you.” He then paid tribute to Pope Francis, who ordained him as cardinal, reminding the world of the late pontiff’s courage and thanking him for his blessings.

“We still keep in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome,” the new pontiff said. “The Pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the whole world that morning on Easter Sunday.”

The crowds watched in excitement and awe as Pope Leo heralded a new era for the Catholic church, addressing the masses in Spanish and Italian:

“United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together,” he told the cheering crowds.

He also placed his first blessing upon the crowds, taking the baton from Pope Francis’ final blessing to the church and the world, reassuring the masses of God’s enduring love for them. The new pontiff reasserted the goal of peace as his priority, declaring: 

“Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all and evil will not prevail.”

He finished off his address by speaking about the future of the Roman Catholic Church, saying:

“We must be a synodal church. A church that walks. A church that always seeks peace. Always seeks charity. Always tries to be close especially to those who suffer.” 

apost.com

What do you think of this? Are you looking forward to seeing how Pope Leo XIV will lead the Catholic Church? Let us know your thoughts, and don’t hesitate to pass these words of peace and wisdom on to friends and family, too!