The Pope’s First Address
Standing before thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful from the iconic balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Peace be with you,” he said in fluent Italian, also offering words in Spanish during his brief remarks. He did not speak in English despite being American-born.
“Peace be with you all,” he repeated to the cheering crowd.
In his address, Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude for his predecessor, Pope Francis, and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to its mission:
“A church that is engaged with the modern world and is always looking for peace, charity, and being close to people, especially those who are suffering,” he said.
First Augustinian Pope in History
In addition to being the first American pontiff, Pope Leo XIV is also the first pope from the Order of St. Augustine, making him the first Augustinian pope in Church history.
According to Augustinian Vocations of North America, members of the order serve as pastors, educators, and missionaries around the world. The order was formally established in 1244 under Pope Innocent IV.
