Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Supreme Pontiff, greeted a jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday with an inaugural address that called for unity, peace and fidelity to the Church’s mission.

Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, the first American pope struck a tone of unity and fidelity in his first public remarks, underscoring the church’s mission of a “disarmed and disarming peace” dialogue, and evangelization.

“Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome — the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter. Allow me to continue that same blessing,” the new pope said.

“Thank you to my cardinal brothers who chose me to be the successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel. I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, ‘With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.’ So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us,” he added.

Wearing the traditional red papal mozzetta — a garment his predecessor, Pope Francis, had notably set aside — the new pope offered a symbolic gesture toward ecclesiastical heritage, while signaling continuity with Francis’ pastoral legacy.

Pope Leo’s rise had long been anticipated within Vatican circles.

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, entrusting him with the influential role of shaping global episcopal leadership.

His elevation to cardinal in January 2025 positioned him to be a prominent figure heading into the conclave.

His election came swiftly. Chosen after just four ballots, it was one of the fastest papal elections in modern Church history.

Strong consensus

According to Fr. Jerome Secillano, spokesperson of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the speed reflected a strong pre-existing consensus among the cardinal electors.

Secillano noted that Prevost’s combination of Vatican leadership experience, canonical expertise, multilingual fluency, and pastoral sensitivity made him a compelling choice.

“His background is also that of a canon lawyer and he speaks many languages, he is a polyglot. His style and approach is always to talk about the poor,” Secillano said.

His choice of papal name — Leo XIV — further pointed to his intended direction.

Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII, known for his landmark 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum advocating for workers’ rights and social reform, this Leo appears poised to place social justice at the heart of his papacy.

With over two decades of missionary service in Peru and a background in the Augustinian order, Pope Leo XIV brings a leadership style rooted in humility, community and service.

Though considered a moderate, he has distinguished himself from Francis on certain doctrinal matters, including his more cautious stance on same-sex unions, having previously warned against “sympathy for beliefs and practices at odds with the gospel.”

Filipinos ecstatic

Still, his election has been met with widespread welcome, including in the Philippines, home to Asia’s largest Catholic population.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday offered prayers and congratulations to Pope Leo.

Mr. Marcos expressed the hope the new pontiff would continue to bring the Catholic Church closer to the poor and disadvantaged.

“I pray that he will continue to bring the church closer to the poor and disadvantaged. The Filipino people are also praying for the new pope’s strength and good health as he leads the faithful with grace, wisdom and compassion,” the President said.

“May his life and ministry inspire us to persevere in our daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ,” he added.

Duterte urged the faithful to pray that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate would awaken a revitalized spirit of faith in every parish and community.

“Under Pope Leo XIV’s stewardship, we look forward to a church that fosters dialogue across faiths and cultures, promotes solidarity among nations, and tirelessly works for peace. May his guidance open new paths for reconciliation, understanding, and cooperation in our troubled world,” she said.

Senate President Francis Escudero described this moment as “a new chapter” for the Church and as a source of global inspiration.

“The new Pope represents a beacon of hope, not only for Christendom but for all of humanity, as we strive to build a world where peace prevails, wars cease, kindness flourishes, and hatred dissipates,” Escudero said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for prayers for a papacy marked by compassion and unity.

“May his papacy inspire kindness, justice, and peace in every corner of the world. We hope and pray fervently that his leadership of the Catholic Church will promote the dialogue and unity that the world needs more than ever today,” Gatchalian said.

CBCP support

The CBCP has pledged its obedience and support to the new pope.

Dioceses across the country are preparing thanksgiving Masses in the coming days to honor his election.

In Iloilo, Rev. Fr. Jonas Mejares, vice president for Augustinian Formation and Mission at the University of San Agustin, shared his memories of meeting the future pope in Rome.

“He is very approachable. When you talk to him, he is very calm and seems shy — but he’s not,” Mejares told DZBB radio. “He is doctrinally solid and pastorally grounded.”

World leaders laud new pope

World leaders responded swiftly to the news. US President Donald Trump called the election a “great honor for our country,” while former President Barack Obama praised his fellow Chicagoan.

In Peru, President Dina Boluarte highlighted the pope’s longstanding service to the poor.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas both expressed hope for the Vatican’s continued commitment to peace and justice.