Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the brand new Pope following the dying of Pope Francis, who handed away in Rome on the morning after Easter. The announcement was made at present, 8 Might 2025, after a conclave of cardinals chosen the 69-year-old Chicago-born cleric as the brand new head of the Catholic Church.
In his first tackle from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Prevost known as for a Church rooted in peace, perseverance and dialogue. Echoing his predecessor’s humble tone, he urged the trustworthy to ‘stroll hand in hand in God’ and to construct ‘a Church that works collectively and builds bridges.’
A Humble Name to the World Church
‘Christ be with you,’ Pope Prevost started. ‘That is the peace of the risen Christ—a peace that’s humble and perseverant, for all.’ His message rapidly turned to remembrance of Pope Francis, saying, ‘We protect our prayers for Pope Francis, who wished what’s good for you, who liked you all.’
‘We stay in God, with out worry,’ he continued. ‘Hand in hand in God, we go ahead. We’re disciples of Christ. Christ goes earlier than us.’
The brand new pope thanked the Faculty of Cardinals for selecting him to succeed Peter, calling it a mission of unity and peace: ‘Thanks to all the guy cardinals who selected me to be the successor of Peter, of a united Church, and for proclaiming the Gospel as successors of Christ in peace.’
Constructing Bridges, Not Partitions
In one of the crucial symbolic moments of his speech, Prevost gestured to the huge sq. earlier than him, saying, ‘We have to be a Church that works collectively, that builds bridges—like this piazza—welcoming.’
His remarks clearly signalled a continuation of Pope Francis’s imaginative and prescient of inclusion and dialogue. ‘Assist yourselves, and assist each other in constructing bridges and dialogue. Be a folks all the time in peace,’ he stated, reflecting his dedication to unity over division.
A Pontiff Near Peru and the Marginalised
Pope Prevost prolonged a heartfelt greeting to the folks of Peru, the place he spent over a decade as a missionary and bishop. ‘A particular greeting to the folks of Peru, who’ve been so trustworthy in following the Church of Christ,’ he stated.
His deep connection to Latin America, notably among the many poor and marginalised, has formed his pastoral outlook. ‘Brothers and sisters, who type a Church—a Church that searches for peace and helps these in want,’ he stated.
A Marian Message and Mission
Prevost’s speech was additionally deeply prayerful. Marking the Day of Supplication of Our Girl of Pompeii, he invoked the Virgin Mary’s steerage for the worldwide Church. ‘Mary, our Mary, all the time desires to stroll with us, to stroll in love,’ he stated. He concluded with a recitation of the ‘Hail Mary,’ calling it a prayer ‘for this complete Church, in the entire Earth.’
‘Allow us to pray collectively on this mission,’ he added, inviting Catholics worldwide to affix him in non secular unity and goal.
A Pope within the Spirit of Francis
At 69, Pope Prevost is taken into account comparatively younger by Vatican requirements. Identified for his humility and missionary work, he’s already being in comparison with Pope Francis in each tone and imaginative and prescient. A local of Chicago and a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, his down-to-earth character is anticipated to resonate with many Catholics in search of a extra private and compassionate Church chief.
Quoting Saint Augustine, he reminded the Church of its path ahead: ‘We stroll collectively, as Saint Augustine stated, in the direction of Christ, on the way in which God has ready.’
Together with his election, the Catholic Church enters a brand new chapter that blends continuity with quiet renewal. Pope Prevost’s message—centred on peace, discipleship, bridge-building, and prayer—units a transparent tone for his preach.
