The newly elected Pope, Leo XIV spoke in fluent Italian and Spanish during his first address to the crowds at St Peter's Basilica yesterday evening, with a call to peace, echoing that of his predecessor, Francis:
"Peace be with you all. Beloved brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd, who gave his life for God's flock.
"I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they may be, to all peoples, to all the earth, peace be with you.
"We still keep in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome!
"Allow me to follow up on that same blessing. God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail. We are all in God's hands. Therefore, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and each other, let us go forward."
Leo thanked Francis in his speech and repeated his predecessor's call for 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 becomes the 267th Catholic pope after the death last month of Pope Francis.